Headwaters Academy

Observation. In the outdoor play space, a metal eavestrough attached to the fence has sharp edges, and a wooden tool bench has screws protruding from the wood. Hazards on equipment accessible to children, such as sharp edges and protruding screws, present a safety risk. Submit evidence by February 20, 2026, confirming that these hazards have been corrected.

Observation. A review of staff records identified that one employee file does not contain the required character references or documentation demonstrating compliance with the Province’s immunization and tuberculosis control program. Individuals must not be employed unless the licensee has obtained all required documentation to confirm suitability to work with children. Submit evidence by February 19, 2026, confirming the employee record is complete and includes all required documentation.

Observation. One child's record is missing a photo or digital image with can be used to readily identify the child in an emergency. Submit evidence by February 19, 2026, confirming that a photo has been added to the child’s record.

Observation. During the inspection, Licensing reviewed a sample of the facility records for children. Records were missing the required information regarding who may not access the child. Some were missing written consent from a parent to call a medical practitioner or ambulance. The Licensee must ensure any current registration forms are complete with all required information. Submit to Licensing by the follow up date requested a copy of the revised form to be used for future registration and confirmation all current child records are complete. Licensing reviewed a care plan for a child requiring extra support. The care plan was missing evidence indicating the plan had been created in consultation with the parent. Submit to Licensing by the follow up date requested the care plan with evidence the plan was created in consultation with the parent. Licensing reviewed a care plan for a child requiring extra support. It was observed that the care plan was missing the date it was created on. It is a requirement to review care plans at least once each year, without a creation date it may be challenging to know when to review a child's care plan. Submit to Licensing by the follow up date requested the dated care plan.

Observation. While conducting the complaint inspection, the Licensing Officer identified the following additional contravention: An educator was observed leaving the Group Child Care (30 Month to School Age) program. The Licensing Officer entered the program to find in attendance the one educator and eight children. The educator confirmed that seven children were left unsupervised when the educator left the room. Leaving children unsupervised poses a serious risk to the health and safety of the children in care. A plan to come into compliance is required by the follow up date noted.

Observation. An allegation was received that a parent was not notified of an injury sustained by their child. The facility has a system in place for notifying parents of injuries to children. The Licensing Officer reviewed the system which appears to comply with Section 55(1)(a). This allegation is unable to be substantiated. While conducting the complaint inspection, the Licensing Officer identified the following additional contravention: Based on the information received during this inspection, the Licensing Officer determined that a care plan was required to be created and maintained for a child who met the definition of "child requiring extra support" as per Section 1 "Definitions" of the Child Care Licensing Regulation. Creating a care plan allows for any behavioural guidance provided to a child to be identified and implemented by the employees.

Observation. It was alleged that a child was subjected to a 10 minute time out in the manager's office because of the child's behaviour. It was confirmed a child was in the office for 10 minutes, sitting on the floor watching the manager work. It was confirmed the child had no activities to do while in the manager's office. The Licensing Officer determined this allegation to be substantiated.

Observation. As part of the complaint inspection, the Licensing Officer reviewed the facility's Behaviour Guidance Policy. The Licensing Officer noted sections of the policy are not being implemented by the employees. The Licensee must ensure that policies which are intended to guide employees in the care of children are implemented by the employees.

Observation. The Licensing Officer determined the following allegation substantiated: - Children in the Group Child Care (30 Months to School age) program have been taken to an employees personal residence for bonfires with the intent to spend the entire day there. The manager confirmed, on more than one occasion, this activity has occurred. The personal residence being used is an unlicensed outdoor space. It is a Licensing requirement, during the application process, for a Licensee to provide any outdoor play areas or activities located outside the property boundary for approval by Licensing prior to attending these areas. Taking young children to an unlicensed space for bonfires may pose a significant safety risk for children in the program. A notification of change to Schedule B for the addition of an outdoor play area is required to be submitted by the follow up date noted.

Observation. The Licensing Officer determined the following allegation substantiated: - Children in the Group Child Care (30 month to school age) program are being left under the care and supervision of unqualified employees as described in Schedule E. At the time of this inspection the Licensing Officer observed children being supervised by an unqualified employee. In speaking with the employee and the manager, it was confirmed, children in this program have been supervised by an early childhood educator assistant when the staffing requirement is an early childhood educator. Providing care to the most vulnerable ages of children requires specific training and employees must have a valid early childhood educator certificate in order to operate a Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age) program. Submit by the follow up date noted a plan to come into and maintain compliance regarding employee to child ratios.

Observation. A review of the staff records revealed two staff are working without a criminal record check completed under the Criminal Records Review Act. Staff are required to have a clear criminal record check completed under the Criminal Records Review Act prior to employment. March 2024 the employees did not practice implementing the fire drill system. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on April 11, 2023. Submit by the follow up date noted the system created to ensure fire drills are not missed and practiced monthly. Staff have not practiced implementing the emergency plan since opening in December of 2022. Staff must practice implementing the emergency plan to ensure they know what is expected in case of a real emergency. Submit by the follow up date noted the system developed to ensure the emergency plan will be practiced by all employees yearly.

Observation. A review of the children's records indicated one was missing the name of a medical practitioner and two were missing the telephone number of a medical practitioner. Submit the system developed to come into and maintain compliance by the follow up date noted to ensure records have all the required information.

Observation. The manager's name was not displayed. The educator/assistant certificates were not displayed.

Observation. All certificates must be verified by the licensee using a system established and maintained by the director of the early childhood educator registry.

Observation. The fire drill system was not displayed.

Observation. A staff's record was missing evidence of their work history. A fire drill was not practiced in March.

Observation. Several departure times were missing from the daily attendance. Two children's records did not have photos. All children's records need the addition of other information that can be used to readily identify the child in an emergency.

Observation. A thorough daily inspection log for the outdoor play space needs to be created and implemented.