Curious Minds Montessori Daycare

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• C1.1 - Does the licensee continually inform licensing of any significant changes to the structure or operation of the facility?Critical

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed no facility manager name posted. It is required to post the name of the manager as per Section 11 of the CCLR. This was corrected during inspection. Licensing Officer observed one of the educator's certificate was not posted. As per Section 11 of the CCLR, you are required to display educator's certificates. Submit by May 13, 2025, how you have addressed the requirement for posting educator's certificates.

• C3.2 - Are persons qualified and appropriately replaced?Critical

  Observation. Licensing Officer found two staffing files were missing evidence of verification from the ECE registry. As per Section 19 (4)(a), you are required to verify educators and assistants certificates through the ECE registry. Submit by May 13, 2025, how you have addressed the requirement for verifying educators/assistants certificates.

• C4.1 - Are facility records current and complete?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing Officer found some children's files were incomplete missing start dates, doctors phone numbers and emergency contact numbers. Licensee's are required to keep current records for each child so that in the event of an emergency the Licensee has personal information regarding the child. Submit by May 13, 2025, how you have addressed the requirement for personal information for children in care. Licensing Officer found a photo missing for a child in care. Photos are required to be used readily identify a child in an emergency. Submit by May 13, 2025, how you have addressed the requirement for photos of all children in care.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed the following: -Storage room unlocked with spray paint on the floor and accessible to children. -Furnace room was unlocked and accessible to children. -Four large storage bins filled with heavy materials/toys stacked on top of each other, which was over 4 feet high and accessible to children in their washroom. -ICE Melt bags accessible to children in their washroom. -Exposed outlet beside the children's washroom sink. -Diapering change mat in 30 months to school age program is ripped. -The outdoor play area is mainly black asphalt with no shade over top of it. There are two small shade sails in the corner of the outdoor play area, however there isn't a sufficient amount of shade to prevent sunburn or sunstroke. Ensuring the facility is in good repair and free from hazards is important to prevent injuries and ensure a safe and healthy environment for children in care. Submit by May 20, 2025, how you have addressed the requirement for shade and ensuring the facility, furniture, equipment and supplies are in good repair, safe, easy to clean and free from hazards.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. The complaint information received alleged the following events occurred while in the care of the Licensee: (1) The Manager prioritizes their own child within the program resulting in lack of continuous supervision of the other children attending. The allegation of non-compliance is unable to substantiate. (2) Staff to child ratios are not being followed. Based on the review of the information gathered which included: written statements, staff interviews, facility documentation and Licensing observations while on-site. The allegation is substantiated.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Unrelated to the allegation received, during the complaint investigation Licensing found additional reoccurring non-compliance pertaining to incomplete staffing files, such as missing ECE validation, and criminal record checks which has been outstanding since Aug 1, 2023.

• C10.1 - Are children provided with a healthy and safe environment, and protected from harmful actions?Non-critical

  Observation. The complaint information received alleged a child was subject to harmful actions by an employee while in care of the Licensee: During the complaint inspection, Licensing observed the same employee identified in the complaint exhibiting inappropriate behavioural guidance by raising their voice in the presence of the children and employing a negative tone as their initial approach when instructing them to clean-up. The Manager was immediately notified. Based on the review of the information gathered which included: written statements, staff interviews, facility documentation and Licensing observations while on-site. The allegation is substantiated.

• C9.1 - Are there plans and actions in place to ensure medications are stored and administered properly?Non-critical

  Observation. The complaint information received alleged the following event occurred while in the care of the Licensee: Employees are not trained to administer the provided epi pens, if an allergic reaction were to happen with a child. Based on the review of the information gathered which included: written statements, staff interviews, facility documentation and Licensing observations while on-site. The allegation is substantiated.

• C2.1 - Are written policies and procedures in place to guide employees in all matters regarding the care and supervision of children?Non-critical

  Observation. Unrelated to the allegation received, during Licensing investigation the facility was unable to produce a current copy of the behavioural guidance policy. Please submit a behavioural guidance policy. Once Licensing has accepted the policy, the Licensee must train the facility staff on the policy and provide parents with a new copy.

• C5.1 - Are healthy eating and nutritional habits promoted and practiced?Non-critical

  Observation. The complaint information received alleged the following event occurred while in the care of the Licensee: The Manager provided a child with a restricted food item which is prohibited at the facility due to a severe allergy. Due to another child attending the facility with a severe allergy (The child with the allergy was present at the time the restricted food was served). Licensing requested a health and safety plan during the investigation to address this issue. Based on the review of the information gathered which included: written statements, staff interviews, facility documentation and Licensing observations while on-site. The allegation is substantiated.

• C1.1 - Does the licensee continually inform licensing of any significant changes to the structure or operation of the facility?Critical

  Observation. Licensing observed the infant toddler outdoor play area being utilized as storage for broken equipment. After reviewing the submitted application on file, this area and the second room down the hall inside the facility are being utilized for storage, instead of the applied useable floor space for children. Licensing requires an updated floor plan and outdoor play area plan.

• C3.2 - Are persons qualified and appropriately replaced?Critical

  Observation. Staffing files had no evidence or system to ensure educators have a valid licence to practice.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Staffing files were incomplete with some staff missing the following: criminal record check, immunization status and references.

• C4.1 - Are facility records current and complete?Non-critical

  Observation. The current system of a wipe away checklist, does not show how the facility maintains a log for daily inspections, maintenance and repairs of the outdoor play area. Licensing requires a system which documents previously dated inspections, maintenance and repairs of the outdoor play area.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing observed a broken gazebo which was providing shade in the outdoor play area. Licensing observed the infant/toddler play area is not currently being used for the children instead the area is being used to store broken equipment which was accessible to children at time of inspection.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. It was alleged that some children from one care program were being moved to another care program that they were not eligible for. As a result of follow up, it was determined that on at least two occasions, the movement of children caused one care program to exceed the maximum number of children allowed under 36 months. Therefore this allegation is substantiated. It was alleged that different care programs were combining in the outdoor play area. During the inspection two different care programs were observed in the outdoor space at the same time. Therefore this allegation is substantiated. It was alleged that a care program was not staffed appropriately in accordance with Schedule E of the CCLR. As a result of follow up, it was determined that the facility was appropriately staffed, by following CCLR Section 37 - Absent employees. Therefore, this allegation is unsubstantiated. It was alleged that children were not being adequately supervised during outdoor play. During inspection, outdoor supervision was observed for a short time and no concerns were identified. The licensing officer discussed outdoor supervision procedures with the facility manager and employees. Based on follow up, this allegation is unable to be substantiated.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. It was alleged that multiple hazards were accessible to children including cords hanging from a shelf, uncovered outlets, and cleaning products. As a result of follow up, it was noted at time of inspection, no cleaning products were accessible to children and cords were managed in a way that did not appear to pose a risk. However, two electrical outlets were uncovered. Therefore this allegation is substantiated. This issue was corrected during inspection. It was alleged that the facility does not complete outdoor play space inspections. As a result of follow up it was determined that outdoor play space inspections are being done daily and a log of these inspections is kept on site. Discussions with manager included a suggestion of adding fallen fruit to the checklist to ensure it is picked up by staff throughout the day. This allegation is unsubstantiated.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing reviewed staffing files and found some files were incomplete including missing immunization status, resume, criminal record check and reference checks on file. This is recurring from the previous inspection.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. The outdoor play climber does not have 6 feet of clearance around it. This is recurring from the previous inspection.

• C9.1 - Are there plans and actions in place to ensure medications are stored and administered properly?Non-critical

  Observation. Reviewed storage along with procedures such as the medication form. Only two specific staff were trained to administer medication as instructed by the child's parent/required by the child's record or care plan. No provisions if those staff members were away.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. Licensing observed 2 staff members, an IT educator and an staff member ECE Assistant along with 8 children in the under 36 month old program. Schedule E states there must be an IT educator along with an ECE educator for up to 8 children in that program. This is an ongoing issue to achieve or maintain compliance. Licensing educated Licensee and requested a staffing plan be submitted by August 10, 2022 by 12pm.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. The licensee explained that the completed staffing file documents are on the computer and needs to be printed. Still incomplete and outstanding from the previous inspection.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. Licensing observed 2 staff members, an IT educator and an staff member ECE Assistant along with 7 children in the under 36 month old program. Schedule E states there must be an IT educator along with an ECE educator for up to 8 children in that program. This is an ongoing issue to achieve or maintain compliance. Licensing observed two children under 5 years old being under the supervision of the responsible adult in the school aged program. Manager tried to explain that due to low numbers in the school aged program those children were moved. Licensing explained this situation has happened before and moving children into different programs that aren't of age yet is not allowed unless there is an approved temporary placement exemption.

• C7.2 - Is there adequate and appropriate indoor and outdoor space, materials, and equipment?Critical

  Observation. Licensing observed the outdoor play areas to be overgrown with weeds, along with a wobbly picnic table and broke tricycle. During the inspection Licensing observed a child crawling on the concrete with pea gravel on it. The infant/toddler playground area is fully covered in tall grass/weeds and is unusable.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing observed a lack of shade in the outdoor area. Licensing observed two large climbers that did not have 6 feet of clearance.

• C4.1 - Are facility records current and complete?Non-critical

  Observation. The facility is not maintaining a log for all play space inspections, maintenance and repairs.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing reviewed staffing files and found them incomplete this is an ongoing issue.

• C2.1 - Are written policies and procedures in place to guide employees in all matters regarding the care and supervision of children?Non-critical

  Observation. School aged program and 30 months to school age program did not complete fire drills for July.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. Part of the complaint outlined that programs may be inadequately staffed with enough employees or with under-qualified employees. During both the March 31, 2022 and April 7, 2022 inspections it was observed that at least one program was not adequately staffed with qualified employees to meet the care and supervision needs of children present. March 31, 2022 inspection it was noted that the Group Child Care (Under 36 Months) program had one Infant/Toddler Educator present, caring for 5 children who were awake, and monitoring 2 sleeping children in a separate sleeping area. An ECE Assistant who was scheduled to work in the program was on break at this time. In the noted program an Infant/Toddler is required when up to four children are present, if up to 8 children are present, an ECE is also required. On April 7, 2022 it was observed by Licensing that a Responsible Adult was supervising one child in the Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age) program, as well as two children in the Group Child Care (School Age) program. Two different service types must not combine, and each must have adequate qualified employees present.

• C2.1 - Are written policies and procedures in place to guide employees in all matters regarding the care and supervision of children?Non-critical

  Observation. The complaint outlined concerns regarding one employee's behaviour guidance practices and supervision practices including inadequately qualified employees and inadequate numbers of employees in each program. The complaint also outlined a concern regarding diaper changing processes. During the site inspection on March 31, 2022, Licensing requested the following policies be submitted for review: Behaviour Guidance- this policy was reviewed and determined to be incomplete in regards to the Guiding Children's Behaviour booklet. Care and Supervision-this policy was reviewed, and determined to be incomplete in regards to the Preventing Injury In Child Care Settings booklet. Diapering Policy-this policy was reviewed and a slight revision is recommended for clarity.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Licensing reviewed employee records as part of this complaint to verify sufficient number of employees possessing adequate training and experience. During March 31, 2022 inspections some employee records were noted to be incomplete. One valid Criminal Record Check was not in the file, this was resolved during inspection. Three employee records did not have a statement of immunization status for the individuals.

• C6.1 - Are acceptable hygiene practices maintained?Non-critical

  Observation. The complaint received outlined a concern that a child was not having diaper changes as necessary. During March 31, 2022 inspection diapering procedures were discussed with the Licensee, it was noted that if the Infant/Toddler Educator present is unable to lift a child to the change table, an employee from another room comes and changes the diaper. Licensing reviewed a wipeable diaper-changing tracking sheet in the facility. It was unclear whether the indicated changes were from that day, as it had indications of changes at a time interval that had not happened yet. During the subsequent inspection April 7, 2022 the Licensee stated that diaper change times are also noted in a "take home binder" that is sent home with each family at the end of the day. Due to a similar previous complaint, and the likelihood that a child may not be changed in a timely manner if another employee is not readily available, this complaint is substantiated.

• C10.1 - Are children provided with a healthy and safe environment, and protected from harmful actions?Non-critical

  Observation. Part of the complaint outlined that one employee may be practicing behavioural guidance that is not age and developmentally appropriate. During the inspection March 31, 2022 the Licensee stated that she has had to redirect an employee for using behavioural guidance that was not age and developmentally appropriate to the child receiving guidance.

• C10.2 - Are children supervised, and are employee to children ratios maintained?Critical

  Observation. Allegation of a lack of care and supervision. Licensing observed 2 staff members, an IT educator and an staff member (with an approved exemption request) who is acting as the ECE Assistant along with 6 children in the under 36 month old program. Schedule E states there must be an IT educator along with an ECE educator for 8 children in that program. Licensing reviewed the daily attendance and children's files and observed one child in the 30 months to school age program, who was not yet 30 months old. Complaint is substantiated. Licensing requests a detailed staffing plan by the follow up date.

• C7.1 - Is the facility safe, sanitary, free from hazards, in good repair, and appropriate for the age and development of children?Non-critical

  Observation. Unrelated to the complaint investigation, Licensing observed a torn apart broken Jeep vehicle that is accessible to the children in the outdoor area. Removal of the vehicle is required to ensure the safety of the children in care, while in the outdoor play area. Licensing previously noted this same situation as a concern and it was resolved. However, another broken vehicle is back in the same place. It appears to be an ongoing issue that requires a permanent solution.

• C3.1 - Does the facility have sufficient employees who possess adequate training and experience to meet the care, supervision, and needs of the children?Non-critical

  Observation. Reviewed staffing files, CRC was missing from a staff file, though a police criminal record check was on file. A valid CRC from the Ministry is required.

• Has the facility been tested for radon gas?Non-critical