Dragonfly Discovery Children's Centre

Observation. Two children in the Group Child Care (School Age) program were observed playing unsupervised in one room in the facility. The room was not visible to where the program staff was positioned and has a separate entrance/exit that is accessible to the children. Children must be supervised at all times to maintain the health and safety of children while in care. A response is required by April 2, 2026 to outline how the risk has been mitigated.

Observation. One room in the facility used for the Group Child Care (School Age) program is not accessible to the children. This leaves the total available square footage as approved for the program less than what is required for the designated capacity of 20 children. 3.7 meters squared of usable indoor floor space is required per child to maintain the health and safety of the child while in care. A response is required by April 2, 2026 to outline how the risk has been mitigated.

Observation. The emergency plan was disclosed to have been practiced in the past year by all employees. Evidence to record the implementation was not available for review during the inspection. This is a re-occurring contravention originally found out of compliance on August 26, 2024. Each employee is required to practice implementing the emergency plan at least once per year to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Evidence to record the practice is required to be on file for review. A response is required by April 2, 2026 to confirm the emergency plan has been practiced and recorded by all employees.

Observation. An electrical power bar with open outlets was observed within reach of the children in the Group Child Care (30 months to School Age) care program. It is the responsibility of the Licensee to ensure children do not have access to any item that may cause harm to a child. Exposed electrical outlets are a hazard and pose a risk of injury for children. A response is required by September 4, 2025 that outlines how the risk as been mitigated. The openings between the fence slats in the outdoor play area measure 4 inches. Two children on two separate occasions in the Group Child Care (Under 36 months) program were observed reaching their arms through the fence openings while playing outside. Openings that are between 3.5 inches and 9 inches pose a risk of entrapment for children. A response is required by September 15, 2025 that outlines how the risk has been mitigated.

Observation. Out of a sampling of children's files reviewed; one file is missing the sex of the child, the medical insurance plan number, the name and telephone number of a medical practitioner. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on July 21, 2023 and January 2, 2024. A Licensee must keep current records for each child as required in the event of an emergency. A response is required by September 5, 2025 to confirm all children's records are complete. Two children's files reviewed did not contain written consent from a parent to call a medical practitioner or ambulance. It is required that written consent is obtained from a parent to call a medical practitioner or ambulance for a child in the event of an emergency. A response is required by September 5, 2025 to confirm all consents have been obtained as required. Five children at the facility require an EpiPen in the event of an allergic reaction. The EpiPens are kept on site, however, do not have corresponding care plans to support the administration of the medication if needed. Care plans for children with medical needs must be developed in consultation with the parent and any person requested by the parent to ensure the health and safety of the child in care. A response is required by September 5, 2025 to confirm all care plans have been developed as required along with evidence of each care plan for review.

Observation. An EpiPen is on site for a child in the Group Child Care (Under 36 months) program. The corresponding medication form for the EpiPen does not contain evidence that the medication was prescribed or provided by the parent. Medication forms need to be complete and contain evidence the medication was prescribed or provided by the parent in order to ensure the health and safety of the child receiving the medication. A response is required by September 5, 2025 to confirm the medication form is complete with all required information.

Observation. A current staffing schedule was submitted for review that does not meet the requirements as per Schedule E of the Regulation. The staffing schedule indicates the facility opens at 8:00 am daily for both the Group Child Care (Under 36 months) and Group Child Care (30 months to school age) programs. In the Group Child Care (30 months to school age) program an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) is scheduled to open the program. This does not meet the requirement of Schedule E as an Educator is required. An ECEA is only allowed to open the facility for the first half hour of the day if all care programs are combined in the facility with a total of 8 or fewer children in attendance. The ratio of employees to children must be no less than what is permitted in Schedule E.

Observation. 1) A review of the minor accident, illness and unexpected events logbook occurred during inspection. The log is not being used as required to record incidents not reportable to Licensing. Minor incidents disclosed during the interview process, which meet the requirement were not documented in the logbook. A logbook is required to be kept current that identifies any minor accidents, illness and unexpected events. 2) During the interview process it was disclosed by the Licensee that a care plan was in place for a child who required extra support that no longer attends the facility. The care plan was not available for Licensing review as it was allegedly stolen from the facility. The Licensee provided a copy of the plan that did not include evidence that the plan was developed in consultation with the parent. A care plan for any child who requires extra support is to be developed in consultation with the parent and any person requested by the parent.

Observation. A review of all employee files indicated 8 files do not contain the minimum of two character references in respect of the person. A person must not be employed until the manager has obtained the required records.

Observation. All employees interviewed were asked if they know the facility’s Behaviour Guidance Policy or where to locate the policy for review. The majority of the employees were unsure of what the policy entailed or where they might find it to review. Some educators gave examples of guiding techniques as outlined in the policy and confirmed they have read the policy but did not remember what the policy says. It is the responsibility of the Licensee to ensure that the policies and procedures are implemented by employees.

Observation. Licensing reviewed evidence of inappropriate guidance submitted in the form of a care plan for one child who no longer attends the facility. The plan was confirmed to have been developed by the Licensee in consultation with the parent. The methods outlined in the plan do not align with the facility Behaviour Guidance Policy. Behavioural guidance as outlined in a care plan must be appropriate to the age and development of the child receiving the guidance.

Observation. 1) It was alleged the Group Child Care (Under 36 months) program did not have a certified Infant and Toddler Educator working in the program for over 8 weeks. Evidence was obtained and verified that identified the Infant-Toddler certified staff’s last day of employment was October 18, 2024. It was confirmed during the interview process that the current Infant-Toddler Educator started at the facility on January 15, 2025. A review of employee files, confirmed the facility did not have a qualified Infant-Toddler Educator from November 18, 2024- January 14, 2025. As per Section 37 of the Regulation - Absent employees, an Early Childhood Educator was eligible to fill the position for 30 days following October 18, 2024. Substantiated. 2) It was alleged the Group Child Care (30 months to school age) program has more than two children in the group under three years old. A review of attendance and child records determine the facility is to be operating in compliance with the legislation. Unsubstantiated.

Observation. 1) It was alleged that an employee at the facility (accused) is aggressively handling the children. The allegations include three separate incidents that may have involved the accused slapping a child, pushing a child and yelling at a child. Employee interviews were conducted and the accused was described as creative, initiative, engaged with the children, plans many activities for the children and helpful. Direct quotes as collected during the interview process include: "(Accused) is creative, in the sense of what (they) does with the kids." "I always see (accused) busy with the kids, doing something outside like sledding." During the interviews the accused was also described as unpredictable and appears to get overwhelmed easily during the day. Direct quotes as collected during the interview process include: “Unpredictable, you don’t know if you are getting happy (accused) or unhappy (accused) that day.” “(Accused) gets overwhelmed easily. If it is chaotic (accused) will have to step out and get a coffee; goes and gets lunch and comes back to collect (them)self.” There is insufficient evidence of harmful actions by the accused as outlined in the allegations to determine whether a contravention has occurred. Unable to substantiate. 2)(a) It was alleged the (accused) is guiding children's behaviour in an inappropriate manner. 9/12 people interviewed identified that the accused raises their voice/yells when managing children’s behaviour. It was disclosed that the accused used a tone of voice described as, “too harsh” with a child when supporting a child with behaviour guidance. This method of guidance contradicts the facility Behaviour Guidance Policy which references the BC Guiding Children’s Behaviour Handbook. Employees interviewed identified the accused as impatient. Direct quotes as collected during the interview process include: “(Accused) gets impatient and it is inappropriate yelling or whatever else, …sometimes I don’t think it is necessary. I think (accused) just frustrated and it is inappropriate.” “(Accused) is impatient, gets frustrated with children and looses (their) cool.” (b) Evidence was provided of the accused conducting inappropriate guidance involving two children laying on the (accused) while on a couch and under a blanket. The information reviewed does not align with the facility Behaviour Guidance Policy with respect to the BC Guiding Children’s Behaviour Handbook- Section B Environment - People. (c ) It was disclosed during the interview process that due to the facility often being short staffed the accused, who qualifies as a certified Responsible Adult, is being advanced into a role and duties to replace an absent employee. This advancement qualifies the accused into the legislative child ratios as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant. Based on the balance of probability, incidents of behaviour guidance where the accused is inappropriately managing children’s behaviour is substantiated due to the described temperament and actions observed as described above.

Observation. The Licensing Officer observed one educator's certificate was not verified by the early childhood educator registry. The Licensee corrected this during the inspection. No further action is required by the Licensee.

Observation. The Licensing Officer observed one educator's certificate was not displayed. The Licensee corrected this during the inspection. No further action is required by the Licensee.

Observation. There was no evidence indicating the emergency evacuation plan has been practiced by each employee. Practicing the emergency plan ensures employees can safely care for children in the event of a real emergency. A written plan detailing how the Licensee/Manager will ensure each employee practices implementing the emergency plan at least once a year is required by the follow up date.

Observation. Three children's records were missing other information that can be used to readily identify the child in an emergency. A written plan detailing how the Licensee/Manager will ensure children's records are complete is required by the follow up date.

Observation. Evidence that the outdoor play space had been thoroughly inspected was missing for a three day period. To ensure the outdoor play space is free from hazards, and to ensure the safety of the children in care, outdoor play space inspections are required daily. A written plan detailing how the facility will maintain compliance with completing thorough daily outdoor play space inspections is required by the follow up date.

Observation. The emergency evacuation plan has not been practiced by each employee. It is required that the emergency evacuation plan is practiced and recorded annually. Submit a written plan by the follow up date requested detailing how the Licensee/Manager will ensure each employee will practice implementing the emergency plan.

Observation. Child records were missing the name and phone number of a medical practitioner and medical insurance plan number. A system for ensuring all required information is in the child's records needs to be developed. Submit a written plan by the follow up date requested detailing how the Licensee/Manager will ensure all children's records have the required information. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on February 8, 2022, March 15, 2023 and July 21, 2023. The facility has a system in place to log off site play space inspections, however evidence of the inspections occurring is missing. The off site play space must be inspected and that inspection must be recorded. Submit a written plan by the follow up date requested detailing how the Licensee/Manager will ensure staff are recording the off site play space inspections.

Observation. Allegations received indicating that children were unsupervised at a local park and included the following concerns: - staff were observed on their personal cell phones with heads down and/or backs to the children - staff were overheard looking for a child they could not locate Interviews with the staff confirmed supervision was not happening at all times while offsite as personal cell phones were being used. Staff also confirmed that after completing a head count a child was determined to be missing. A search was activated and the child was found unharmed. Additional non-compliance observed during the investigation include: While interviewing a staff engaged in programming offsite, Licensing observed a child attending the Group Child Care (School Age) program where the child's age was not within the age range for that care program. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on March 23, 2023.

Observation. Additional non-compliance noted during the complaint investigation include: The Licensee has made changes to the records and procedures listed in Child Care Licensing Regulation (CCLR) Schedule B. Licensing was not notified of the following: Schedule B (2), 5(c), 6(c)(i)(ii)(iii), and 8(a)(b).

Observation. The Licensee’s system to ensure compliance with submitting reportable incidents is ineffective. The missing and wandering incident and the emergency restraint incident, directly related to this complaint, are both reportable incidents as described in Schedule H. Neither incidents have been reported to Licensing. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on February 23, 2021 and February 8, 2022. Additional non-compliance observed during the investigation include: While interviewing a staff engaged in programming offsite, Licensing observed broken glass in a frequented play area. The facility staff confirmed they do not have a system in place to log off site play space inspections. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on February 8, 2022 and March 15, 2023.

Observation. Licensing reviewed the policies and procedures the facility has in place to guide employees in the care and supervision of children. The Licensee states that staff must sign off on reading the facility's policies and procedures. Licensing observed evidence of signatures in staff files, however, staff disclosed they had not read the policies and do not know where to find the policies. There appears to be no effective system for follow up monitoring of staff by the Licensee to ensure the the policies and procedures are implemented.

Observation. Licensing received allegations that a staff member, engaged in programming offsite, grabbed a child by the wrist and pulled the child across a community park. Interviews with the staff confirmed this incident did occur. Licensing received allegations indicating two staff members, engaged in programming offsite, were observed yelling at children. Licensing interviews with the staff confirmed that they have yelled phrases such as, "Don't do that" and "I've had enough", to the children.

Observation. The Licensee's system to ensure compliance with staff to child ratios (Schedule E) is ineffective. The Group Child Care (30 months to School Age) program did not have sufficient ratio of employees to children as per the Child Care Licensing Regulation. This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on February 23, 2021 and June 20, 2022.

Observation. Three staff certificates were not verified by the licensee from the director of the early childhood educator registry.

Observation. A deck used for outdoor activities has a metal gate attached to the deck railing at the top of the stairs with a bungee cord. This gate is unstable.

Observation. The system to ensure children's records meet all legislative requirements appears to be ineffective. Licensing found several to be incomplete. Missing items included: - medical insurance plan number - name and telephone number of a medical practitioner This is a reoccurring contravention originally found out of compliance on February 8, 2022 and March 15, 2023. A child's record was missing a signature for written consent to call a medical practitioner or ambulance in case of accident or illness if the parent cannot immediately be reached. All of the children's records in the Group Child Care (School Age) program and several in the other two programs were missing a photograph or digital image of the child, and other information that can be used to readily identify the child in an emergency.

Observation. The system to ensure staff files are completed in full and contain all legislative requirements appears to be ineffective. One staff file was missing evidence that the person has complied with the Province's immunization and tuberculosis control programs. This was corrected during the inspection. Two staff files were missing criminal record checks.

Observation. Licensing observed a child attending a care program where the child's age was not within the age range for any care program operating at that time of day.

Observation. Facility does not have a system in place to ensure the fridge temperature is below the required 4 degrees Celsius. The play yard has numerous pieces of equipment (swings, climbing ladder, etc...) without the recommended six feet of clearance around the equipment.

Observation. Several children's records were missing the name and telephone number of a medical practitioner. A system for completing play space inspections needs to be created and implemented.

Observation. Fire drills were not practiced monthly.

Observation. A long term Radon test needs to be completed with results submitted to Licensing.

Observation. A piece of permanent climbing equipment was installed in the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) room. The notification of change to the floor plan was not submitted to Licensing and the Licensee did not receive written approval prior to installation. A dome climber was installed in the outside play yard. The notification of change to the site plan was not submitted to Licensing and the Licensee did not receive written approval prior to installation.

Observation. A pool in the play yard was full of dirty water. The play yard has numerous pieces of equipment (swings, climbing ladder, inflatable bouncy castle etc..) without the six feet of clearance around the equipment.

Observation. It was alleged the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) and the Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age) programs did not have an Early Childhood Educator present. Through interviews this was substantiated in the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) and unsubstantiated in the Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age). It was alleged from March 2022 until May 2022 more than two children under 36 months were present in the Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age) program. This was substantiated. It was alleged Responsible Adults were left alone with children in the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) program and the Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age) program. This was unsubstantiated. Additional non-compliance noted (or observed) during the investigation include: It was observed the ratio to employees to children as set out in Schedule E is not being followed in the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) program and the Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age) program. The Group Child Care (30 Months - School Age) program was outside in the play yard. Licensing observed two children leave the program and enter the building unaccompanied and unsupervised by an adult.

Observation. While reviewing the Minor Accident, Illness and Unexpected Events Log, it was discovered that two incidents that happened in 2021 should have been reported to licensing. One incident in 2022 should have been reported to licensing. While reviewing children's files the following were discovered: -missing MSP numbers -missing medical practitioner name and numbers -missing withdrawal date Daily attendance records were missing arrival and departure times. A child who starts the day supervised in the Group Child Care (30 months to School Age) program moves to the Group Child Care (<36months) program and the departure time is not recorded on the Group Child Care (30 months to School Age) program. No log kept for play space inspections, maintenance and repairs.

Observation. A radon test needs to be completed at this facility.

Observation. Facility does not have a system in place to ensure the fridge temperature is below 4 degrees Celsius.

Observation. It was reported to Licensing Direct on April 12th 2021, that no current care plan is in place for a child that began attending Dragonfly Discovery Centre in November of 2020. A care planning meeting occurred on May 10th, 2021 including team members, family and facility manager. A care plan document was created and shared with the team on May 12th 2021. This contravention has been corrected.

Observation. Licensing noted that the door in the Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age) area is very difficult to open if closed. Discussed options with Licensee to ensure that the facility is in good repair. Observed that sleep mats in the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) program are stored touching each other. Discussed options to reduce risk of spread of illnesses, as the surfaces of the mats are not easy to clean to prevent spread of communicable disease. The fridge temperature was noted to be above the 0-4 degrees Celsius range allowable. This was adjusted during inspection in order to reduce risk of food spoilage and food borne illness. Also noted during inspection: Hot water registered within the 49 degrees Celsius allowable. The physical site is clean and materials and equipment are in good repair. Furniture and supplies appear to be sturdy, safe, and free from hazards beyond what has been noted above.