FAQ for Operators

Please see our SPARK page for more information

Spalling concrete is a surface maintenance problem which occurs in reinforced concrete structures e.g. ceilings. Spalling concrete is largely caused by carbonation, a natural deterioration process. The carbonation causes the steel bars embedded in the ceiling slab to corrode and the concrete cover to crack and bulge.

The spalling concrete will spread to a bigger area and the weakened concrete may fall off. This poses a hazard to the children and teachers in the centre premises.

Paint true ceilings regularly as paint protects the premises’ ceiling and helps to prevent carbonation. Seal ceiling cracks and holes properly to prevent moisture and carbon dioxide from entering the concrete. Ensure sufficient ventilation in the centre by opening windows, vents or doors as a humid environment speeds up carbonation.

Under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act - Regulation clause 54 (A) and (B), all preschools are required to maintain the centre premises and equipment in a clean and sanitary condition and in a good state of repair. Hence operators are required to:

1. regularly check/repaint true ceilings;
2. maintain records of such checks, maintenance works. and painting of true ceiling for verification purposes;
3. produce records to ECDA for verification purposes during licensing checks.

Eligible preschools operated by Social Service Agencies and ECDA’s Anchor Operators may tap on ECDA’s Cyclical Maintenance Grant to repair the spalling concrete.

You may download our Guide To Setting Up An Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) to find out more about the requirements for setting up a preschool.