Pitter Patter Daycare

Observation. The fridge is currently not working. All food for children is provided by the parents, in lunch bags, with ice packs. The fridge is scheduled for repair on February 18, 2026. The sliding glass door to the backyard has a crack in it. It has been covered appropriately presenting no apparent hazard and functions as normal. The Licensee has ordered the custom replacement that is set to be installed by the end of March 2026. All equipment and fixtures within a child care facility must be in good repair. Submit a compliance plan to address these issues on or before April 1, 2026.

Observation. One electrical cord was hanging down the wall, next to a playpen and one was running along the wall, underneath a child's nap mat. These pose a risk of tripping, strangulation, and shock. The hanging cord was corrected during inspection and one along the wall was temporarily taped down. The licensee is to provide verification of a more permanent solution that will ensure health and safety of children in care.

Observation. A care plan for a child has not been reviewed since August 2022. Care plans must be reviewed yearly in order to ensure that information is accurate and up to date.

Observation. It was alleged in the complaint that teenagers sleep and hang out in the basement, where care is often provided, during care hours. During the inspection, it was noted that the downstairs usable play area had been reduced by the addition of two sleeping areas for young adults who are living in the home. Also, during the week that the inspection occurred, the downstairs play area was not accessible to children to allow room for a family member to move out. These changes to the environment and operation were not communicated to licensing. Notification of changes are required by the CCLR. Therefore a contravention has been identified related to information provided by the complainant.

Observation. It was alleged by the complainant that the facility has been operating over capacity. In discussion with the licensee, they stated that due to late pick ups, capacity has been exceeded 2 to 3 times recently. Exceeding maximum capacity of children increases risk to health and safety. Therefore this allegation has been substantiated. It was alleged by the complainant that the licensee is always on her phone. This was unable to be substantiated. The complainant also alleged that children have been left with the licensee's family members so the licensee can attend occasional appointments and that a family member has been sent to pick up children from school. In discussion with the licensee, they stated that a family member has watched children 2-3 times when she has had to leave for an appointment and children had not yet been picked up by parents. The licensee also confirmed that due to vehicle problems, a family member has picked up a school aged child from school in their vehicle. As per the CCLR, in Family Child Care, care and supervision must be personally provided by the licensee. If a licensee is absent, it is still required that children be supervised by a qualified person. This allegation has been substantiated.

Observation. Unrelated to the complaint, it was noted during the inspection that the licensee has not been keeping daily attendance records since May 2024, which is a requirement of the CCLR.

Observation. It was alleged by the complainant that the young adults in the home were swearing and having inappropriate conversations in front of children. As a result of observations and discussions with the licensee this was unable to be substantiated. It was alleged by the complainant that the facility cleanliness has declined. During the inspection it was observed that the overall facility is not clean. The following was observed - cat food scattered on multiple surfaces in the kitchen and dining area, kitchen and washrooms requiring cleaning and sanitizing, sleeping area for family members in basement requiring cleaning and tidying. This allegation has been substantiated.

Observation. While the licensee has a system for recording minor accidents, a system for recording illness and unexpected events is required.

Observation. The washroom on the lower level of the facility was not in clean condition. Shelf located in the basement play area is not sturdy and is not secured to the wall.

Observation. Screen door that leads to the backyard has a broken screen. A tall cupboard located in the living/dining area is not secured to the wall and poses a tipping hazard. Hazardous cleaning products in the kitchen were located on the counter and accessible to children.

Observation. Children who require extra support do not have care plans on file. The licensee does not keep a record of daily outdoor play space inspections.

Observation. No record of emergency plan practice for 2021.

Observation. Licensee is providing snack and lunch and informing parents what the children ate on request. Discussed developing a system to ensure information is available to parents regarding the food and drink provided while in care.