Bella Vita- Glenmore

Observation. 1) A small area in front of the back gate is blocked off by a cot to make the area inaccessible to children. Garden hoses are loosely coiled up and are hanging on each side of the back gate that may pose a risk of injury if the area had not been made inaccessible. It was recommended that the hoses be removed from the gate in the event the cot gets moved. Additionally, the gate should be kept free and clear if it needs to be used as an alternate emergency exit route from the outdoor play area. Provide written evidence that the back gate is kept free and clear of supplies that could block or hamper and exit in the case of fire or other emergency by September 30, 2025. 2) A gap approximately 5 inches wide was observed between the chain link gate post and existing brick wall. As per the Director of Licensing Standard of Practice Safe Play Space; "Spaces (i.e., holes or openings) must be smaller than 3.5 inches or larger than 9 inches to prevent a risk of entrapment." Provide written evidence that the space between the chain link gate and existing brick wall complies with the Director of Licensing Standard of Practice Safe Play Space by September 30, 2025.

Observation. One of the links at the bottom of the chain link fence has a sharp metal wire exposed. The wire is accessible to children in the outdoor play area, posing a risk of injury. Provide a description of corrective actions taken and photo evidence of the repair by May 2, 2025.

Observation. 1) It was alleged that when children are playing outdoors on the premises, the ratio of employees to children in each group is less than the ratio set out in Schedule E of the Child Care Licensing Regulation. C10.2C -SUBSTANTIATED - Based on the evidence collected during the complaint investigation, it was confirmed there have been times where the employee to child ratio outdoors is not being maintained while other program staff are indoors completing other duties or while on break. 2) It was alleged that employees are not actively supervising children by positioning themselves where they are unable to see children, or being too far away from the group to respond quickly in an emergency. UNABLE TO SUBSTANTIATE - Although some supervision practices have been addressed in the past, there was no evidence to suggest that there are any current concerns with employee supervision.

Observation. It was alleged that the facility's transportation policy is not being followed. The concerns included employees not following the facility's toileting policy while on daily outings to local parks and forgetting to bring the emergency back pack which contains a first aid kit, medications, emergency cards, attendance and spare clothing. Additionally it was alleged that children's water bottles are being left at the facility rather than taken to the park. C2.1M - SUBSTANTIATED - Based on the information gathered the following was confirmed: - The facility's off-site toileting policy indicates that if there are no portable toilets available at the park, an educator will take the child, and potentially a small group depending on ratios, to one of the businesses nearby to use the washroom. It has been confirmed that on occasion, staff are not taking children to a nearby toilet and children are permitted to use a secluded area in the bushes under staff supervision if they are unable to wait to use the washroom upon return to the facility. - The facility's emergency backpack and water bottles have been left behind on a few occasions, however an employee returned to the facility to retrieve them. There was one occasion where a child's emergency card was not brought and another occasion where medications and a first aid kit weren't readily available for short period of time until an employee retrieved the back pack from the facility. Children's water bottles are typically transported in the wagon and a large water jug is brought along to refill water bottles as needed.

Observation. The child safety lock on a kitchen cupboard containing cleaning products was observed unsecured. This was immediately corrected during the inspection.

Observation. Based on information gathered during the complaint investigation, behavioral guidance strategies outlined in the facility's behaviour guidance policy were not followed. 1) It was alleged that an employee used inappropriate verbal guidance with children. Substantiated - Based on the evidence gathered during the complaint investigation, it was found that the employee did not always demonstrate appropriate verbal behavioral guidance. 2) It was alleged that an employee used inappropriate physical guidance with children. Unable to substantiate - Licensing received three examples that an employee used inappropriate physical re-direction with children; however, due to a lack of evidence and witnesses, Licensing was unable to substantiate the allegation. 3) During the complaint investigation, it became apparent that an employee removed a child's snack as a form of behavioral punishment. Substantiated - Although this was not part of the complaint received by Licensing, evidence collected during the investigation identified that a contravention to section 52 (1) (f) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation has occurred.

Observation. One employee record was missing a criminal record check. One employee record was missing character references. Review and update all employee records to ensure staff files are complete as per Section 19 (1) (a-f) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation.

Observation. A few children's records were missing information that the manager has flagged for follow up with the parent. (E.g. The contact information for a walk-in clinic in cases where the child does not have a family practitioner). Otherwise, children's records and emergency contact information reviewed during the inspection was complete and includes special instructions respecting the child's diet, allergies, medication and participation in a program of activities. Other observations: - The facility keeps a current log of minor accidents, illnesses and unexpected events that appears to capture the required information. - The licensee has a system for daily attendance records indicating whether each child is absent or present including the time of arrival and departure. - Emergency consent cards containing a photo of each child are taken in the first aid kit outdoors and to off-site play areas. - Care plans for children who require extra support are on file and it was discussed that these must be reviewed at least once each year in consultation with the parent of the child and any person requested by the parent. - The licensee keeps a log of all play space inspections, maintenance and repairs.

Observation. The facility is required to complete radon testing over the winter months for a period of at least 91 days between October 2021 and March 2022. An information package was provided to the facility manager at the time of inspection.

Observation. The Licensee does not have a record indicating that each employee practices implementing the emergency plan at least once each year to demonstrate compliance with Section 56 (c) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation. This contravention was noted on the previous routine inspection report. Other observations: - The facility has developed and implemented a Covid-19 policy to reduce the risk of illness. - The Licensee has developed and implemented an Active Play and Screen Time Policy as required by the Director of Licensing Standards of Practice-Active Play. - The Licensee has recently updated the facility's policies and procedures for supervision and transportation to and from regular/daily activities located outside the property boundaries. - The Licensee keeps a record of policies and procedures that staff are required to implement.

Observation. In follow up to the 'Missing/Wandering' incident that was reported to Licensing on April 30, 2021, it is confirmed that a child was left unsupervised by employees for a period of time after the child became separated from the group upon return to the facility. The Licensee reported the incident to Licensing within 24 hours as required by the Child Care Licensing Regulation and has suspended off-site walks and field trips pending a review of facility policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of children. In response to the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, provide to licensing a copy of any revised policies, along with a written compliance plan that ensures the facility policies and procedures noted above are developed and implemented by employees. The plan should indicate what efforts you have made to ensure your staff are aware and educated on all facility policies and procedures; and what monitoring systems are in place to ensure the policies are being followed.

Observation. In response to the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, the facility submitted policies and procedures relevant to supervision and safety while children are attending or being transported to and from outdoor play areas or activities located outside the property boundaries. Policies and procedures that guide employees in the care and supervision of children on walks and field trips were incomplete. The facility's "Off-site Play Area Plan" states: 1. "Educators will do regular head counts while at the park." It was determined that staff weren't routinely carrying an attendance record indicating which children were absent or present when attending play areas off-site. As a result of the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, the policy should consider regular head counts and more formal attendance procedures to guide employees in care and supervision when taking children off-site for outdoor play. (Considerations: How will employees confirm which children are in attendance before leaving the facility, during the trip, upon arrival at the destination, when the group moves from one area to another, prior to leaving and upon return to the facility?) 2. "Educators will do a safety/hazard check upon entering the park." As a result of the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, the policy should consider what types of hazards employees should be scanning for; and what steps they should take when a hazard is identified, to guide employees when taking children off-site for outdoor play. 3. The "Off-site Play Area Plan" indicates that there are times where children are on a lengthy walk to and from the facility and may be off-site for up to 2 hours. The plan does not include any provisions for toileting. The Licensee is to develop and submit a washroom/toileting plan to ensure children's care needs are being met. 4. The "Off-site Play Area Plan" indicates that 3 'educators' will be present when attending outdoor play areas outside the property boundaries. On the day of the incident reported to Licensing, only 2 educators were present (and one support worker who was not included in the staff to child ratio). It is unclear whether the facility's policy requires 3 qualified staff to be present for every licensed program or any group size. As a result of the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, the policy should clearly identify what the staff to child ratio will be when going on regular or daily trips outside the property boundaries, and what will occur if this is not possible. 5. The "Fieldtrip & OOSC Transportation Policy" does not specify how many staff will be supervising children during transportation; or identify when, how often, or who is responsible to conduct regular head counts and formal attendance procedures. Policies are required to guide employees in the care and supervision of children at all times, including when children are being transported on foot or by vehicle, to and from the facility. 6. The facility's "Active Play Policy" indicates children are provided an appropriate amount of outdoor play; however, it is not clear what opportunities are provided for facilitated and un-facilitated play opportunities outdoors. To ensure the facility's policy meets the intent of the "Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Active Play" (see attached), the policy should include examples of games or activities to be implemented and facilitated by staff. A "Screen Use Policy" to guide employees in the use of screen time activities should also be included. These policies should also be shared with parents/families. 7. Missing Child Policy - As a result of the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, it is recommended that this policy is reviewed by the Licensee to ensure the protocols for notification are in order. In response to the incident that occurred on April 30, 2021, provide to licensing a copy of any revised policies along with a written compliance plan that ensures the facility policies and procedures noted above are developed and implemented by employees. The plan should indicate what efforts you have made to ensure your staff are aware and educated on all facility policies and procedures; and what monitoring systems are in place to ensure the policies are being followed.