Little Kootenay Sprouts Daycare

Observation. Two children were observed to be sharing their food at snack time. A method of ensuring that parents can access information about what their child has eaten is required.

Observation. The facility has not yet been tested for radon gas. The Licensee reports that a plan is in place to obtain and deploy a tester this fall. Results must be submitted to Licensing when received in the spring.

Observation. Criminal record check results for one support worker were unable to be located during the inspection. A method of ensuring that staff records are complete and accessible to a licensing officer during an inspection is required. Forward a copy of the CRC to Licensing by the follow up date above.

Observation. Upon review of the log of minor incidents, the Licensee disclosed that one incident that should have been reported to Licensing had not been. Reportable incidents are required to be reported within 24 hours in order to give Licensing the opportunity to follow up in a timely manner. Submit the incident report to Licensing, and create a plan to report future incidents within the required 24 hours.

Observation. Radon testing is in progress. The detector will be submitted for reading in the spring.

Observation. No record of fire drills being practiced exists. A system for ensuring that all employees practice and record fire drills, monthly, is required.

Observation. Two incidents of un-planned facility closure were not reported to Licensing. All reportable incidents according to Schedule H of the Child Care Licensing Regulation must be reported within 24 hours of occurrence. Children's records are incomplete. A complete registration form must be on file for all children. No child should be permitted to attend without complete registration information. This is a repeat offence. Some attendance records were missing times of departure, or times of arrival. Records for two days were missing all information. Attendance records must contain times of arrival, times of departure, and absences. A digital image or photo was missing for one child. There was no descriptive information about the child in their records. A current digital image or photo must be available for all children. It was disclosed that one child has a peanut allergy. Details about the allergy have not been received by the Licensee. A care plan describing symptoms and a plan of action should an exposure occur is required. A system for conducting play space inspections appears to exist, however the daily inspections have not been recorded. A space on the attendance sheet was created to indicate that the inspections have been done. If this method is not working a new method must be created.

Observation. The upper levels of the home were observed to be cluttered with laundry, papers, toys, dishes and books, making it difficult to determine if the facility is clean. The facility must be clean and in good repair. A system for keeping all areas used by children clean and clutter-free is required. A knife used for cutting an apple was observed on a cutting board on the kitchen counter, within reach of the children. This is a repeat offence. Pieces of small lego and small puzzle-shaped toys were observed to be on the living room table and floor. These toys are potential choking hazards. Children must not have access to any items that may be hazardous to their health or safety. The small toys must be kept out of reach of toddlers.

Observation. The outdoor play space was observed to be in use by the children. Approval of the outdoor play space is required before use. Use of the space must be discontinued until approval is given. A site plan with accurate measurements and all permanent fixtures indicated, is required to be submitted, verified and approved.

Observation. A person must not be employed as a responsible adult unless they possess the required qualifications, including 20 hours of relevant training.

Observation. Some children's records were observed to be missing contact information, emergency contact information. Some children's records were missing consent to call a medical practitioner in case of an emergency. Some children's records were missing consent to release a child to someone other than the parent. Some attendance records were missing times of arrival or departure. Some children's photos were not readily accessible.

Observation. A knife was observed to be on the kitchen counter, within reach of children. This item was discussed during the initial inspection. The product used for cleaning is not an approved sanitizer. Dishes must be washed and sanitized appropriately. Licensee explained that diapers are being changed on a towel. Diaper change surfaces must be disinfected between each diaper change. The fence surrounding the outdoor play space has some gaps that are between 3.5 and 9", causing an entrapment hazard.

Observation. The facility hasn't been tested for radon gas during the months of November to March.

Observation. Required records, including criminal record checks, reference checks, resumes, immunization status and evidence of qualification were observed to be missing for two employees. A person must not be employed until required records are obtained. A plan to ensure that children are not cared for or supervised by someone for whom the required records have not been received is required.