Seongdong-gu Provides 9,000 Transparent Masks to Childcare Teachers at Daycare Centers... Why?

Provision of Transparent Masks to Childcare Teachers at 78 Daycare Centers to Support Language Acquisition and Smooth Interaction During Educational and Physical Play Activities

Childcare teacher wearing a transparent mask

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) ranked first among the 25 autonomous districts in Seoul for the ratio of public childcare centers. This month, the district supported 9,000 transparent mouth masks to childcare teachers at 78 daycare centers within the area.

The supported masks differ from conventional masks in that the middle part is made of a transparent film, allowing others to easily see the mouth shapes and facial expressions when the mask is worn.

Infants and toddlers are in a stage where social skills, emotional and cognitive development, as well as physical coordination abilities develop rapidly, maturing physically and psychologically at a fast pace. Interaction with the outside world is especially important. Language acquisition and development occur by observing new mouth shapes and expressions, and for children with disabilities or foreign children, interaction with teachers through observing facial expressions is essential.

The district immediately listened to voices from the field that children are having difficulties acquiring language due to the prolonged mask-wearing by childcare teachers amid the spread of COVID-19.

Through a preliminary demand survey for mask support, it was confirmed that there was significant demand in childcare settings, including daycare centers with children with disabilities or developmental delays. Masks that block droplets and have anti-fogging transparent film functions were provided to actively support smooth communication for children.

When conducting programs that require interaction and communication with children, such as educational tools and physical play activities, childcare teachers are instructed to wear these masks. After verifying their effectiveness, continuous support will be provided so that daycare centers can utilize them.

The district continuously provides masks and hand sanitizers to children and childcare teachers, installs thermal cameras, and offers emergency disaster relief funds, sparing no support to create a safe childcare environment during the COVID-19 period. This year, based on demand surveys, additional disinfectors for teaching materials and educational tools will be installed to actively support children growing up healthy in a clean and safe environment.

Meanwhile, since July, the district has operated a ‘Visiting Toy Service’ for infants and toddlers’ families who find it difficult to go out due to COVID-19, and supports one-stop childcare consultations through ‘Seongdong Yukatoktok,’ a service that resolves inquiries with a single phone call, leading efforts to make the city a good place to raise children.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “I express my gratitude to childcare teachers who are working hard to ensure safe childcare despite the prolonged COVID-19 situation,” and added, “We will continue to create a pleasant and safe childcare environment so that children can grow up healthy and happy, and provide full support to improve the treatment of childcare teachers.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.