The Chinese internet has been questioning the quality of kindergartens in the country and their regulation after a parent revealed the abuse she had suffered from a teacher for refusing to let her toddler take part in a dance competition.

Screenshot from Hubei TV

Hubei TV on Saturday showed logs of an instant messenger group chat that it said took place between the teacher at FasTracKids Kindergarten in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and class parents including Mrs. Li, mother of Xin Xin.

Xin Xin has been taking dance classes at FasTracKids, which objected to her lack of competitive spirit. The teacher reportedly told Mrs. Li that her child would not be allowed to take part in the dance classes if she didn’t also participate in the competition.

As the conversation got heated, other parents warned Mrs. Li to calm down, but a slanging match ensued that culminated in the teacher telling Mrs. Li, “You are not eligible to be a mother!”

Screenshot from Hubei TV

The teacher’s invective seen in the instant messenger logs also included the line, “The only reason we’re talking with you is that we see your child as human, even though you are not. You should be thankful to your child.”

Mrs. Li /Screenshot from Hubei TV

Mrs. Li said she did not understand the kindergarten’s attitude. “I intended to give my child an interest in dance and help her suppleness. Whether or not my child takes part in a competition depends on my child,” she told Hubei TV.

Screenshot from Hubei TV

Thousands of netizens have posted their opinions on the story since the report was broadcast. It has highlighted fears in China about unqualified, unscreened teachers, and kindergartens profiteering through introducing extra classes and events.

“It’s time to investigate the education industry. Most teachers get into the profession ‘by the back door,’ @Kekeyaoguosikao said.

“Is this just a case of the kindergarten wanting to charge parents activity fees?” @Ydianpu asked.

“Most kindergartens nowadays are private and charge parents for a lot of activities or so-called homework,” @fendouqingnianxiaoxiao1985 said. “Some also assign homework to parents. The children are so young, how can they get through this workload?”

A woman in charge of the kindergarten / Screenshot from Hubei TV

A person in charge of FasTracKids apologized to Mrs. Li but suggested that she talk with teachers in private if her child doesn’t want to participate in the competition.

What do you think of the kindergarten’s explanation?