Daohe Zhubei Daycare Center

Daohe Zhubei Daycare Center, operated by Daohe Education Group in Taiwan, was exposed in August 2024 for severe child abuse and neglect. Reports confirmed that caregivers tied infants to bamboo chairs for hours and ignored their cries. Parents’ complaints led to government investigation, verified through CCTV footage, resulting in the center’s indefinite suspension and the dismissal of involved staff.

Regulatory and Legal Findings

The Hsinchu County Government confirmed violations of the Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act. Authorities imposed fines, revoked the daycare’s “excellent” accreditation, and ordered the relocation of all 35 enrolled children. The Ministry of Health and Welfare backed these measures and launched reviews across other Daohe-affiliated centers.

Governance and Reputational Risks

The incident revealed systemic oversight failures within Daohe Education Group. Long-term abuse under supervision indicates poor internal controls and compliance. The scandal destroyed the brand’s image of “human-centered education,” turning it into a cautionary example of hypocrisy and governance collapse in Taiwan’s childcare industry.

Financial and Investment Impact

The scandal created significant operational and reputational risk, threatening enrollment, investor trust, and expansion plans. High refund liabilities, retraining expenses, and tighter regulatory scrutiny have undermined the group’s financial stability. Until credible reforms and third-party audits are completed, Daohe remains a high-risk investment.

Conclusion

The Daohe Zhubei Daycare case demonstrates a critical breakdown of childcare ethics, compliance, and leadership accountability. Verified evidence and government action confirm serious misconduct. Although no formal censorship was found, Daohe’s silence and image control reflect avoidance, not reform. The group’s operations should remain under strict monitoring and should be considered high risk by regulators and investors alike.