Valhalla Children's Centre

Observation. Food provided by parents is stored in individual lunch kits; however, it has been confirmed that not all parents include ice packs. Food must be stored at appropriate temperatures at all times to ensure it remains safe for consumption. Submit written confirmation by May 28, 2026, that all food provided for children is stored at recommended temperatures.

Observation. There is no evidence that an Early Childhood Educator Assistant’s certificate has been validated through the BC Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry. To ensure staff hold a valid certificate, all certificates must be verified using the BC ECE Registry validation page. Submit written confirmation by May 28, 2026, that the required validation has been completed and added to the employee’s file.

Observation. The name and phone number of a medical practitioner, as well as the start date, are missing from some children’s registration records. Complete and up-to-date records for each child are required. Submit written confirmation by May 28, 2026, that the missing information has been obtained and added to the children’s records.

Observation. Two criminal record checks, several employee reference checks, one employee’s work history, and two immunization records are not available for review or have not been obtained. All required employee documentation must be collected and maintained prior to an employee commencing work with children. Submit written confirmation by May 28, 2026, that the missing records have been obtained and added to each employee’s file. The emergency plan is not practiced at least annually. Regular practice of emergency procedures is required to ensure all employees are adequately prepared to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Submit written confirmation and supporting evidence by May 28, 2026, that all employees have practiced the emergency plan.

Observation. The furnace room door is unlocked, making the area accessible to children. Areas containing hazardous equipment, such as a furnace, must be secured and inaccessible to children at all times to prevent the risk of injury. Submit written confirmation and supporting evidence by May 28, 2026, that children no longer have access to the furnace room. Sharp knives are stored in a kitchen drawer that is readily accessible to children. Hazardous items must be securely stored at all times to prevent access by children and reduce the risk of injury. Submit written confirmation by May 28, 2026, that all hazardous items are no longer accessible to children.

Observation. A review of the facility's emergency plan took place during the inspection. The plan includes a list of items required for an evacuation kit, however the kit was not located during the inspection. A complete emergency evacuation kit is required to be on site to help staff respond to an emergency situation. A review of fire drill records showed that fire drills were practiced, but had not been practiced every month. A system for ensuring that monthly fire drills are practiced by each employee, and recorded, is required. There was no evidence that the emergency plan had been practiced in the past year. A system for ensuring that annual emergency plans are practiced by each employee, and recorded, is required.

Observation. A review of staff files found that one staff file was missing evidence that reference checks had been conducted. A record of the reference check having been done is required. The staff person is well known by the facility staff, however evidence of reference checks being done is still required. Two employee files were found to be missing immunization statements. Immunization statements are required to be kept in the employee file. This is a repeat infraction.

Observation. The majority of children's registration forms had been relocated during a recent reorganization of the classroom and were unable to be located during this inspection. The registration forms contain some required information that is not included in the children's emergency cards. All information required in Section 57 must be kept on site.

Observation. Children's bedding was observed to be stored touching other children's bedding, making it hard to ensure a healthy environment. In order to prevent the spread of illness, children's bedding must be stored separately.

Observation. A discussion occurred regarding the occasional practice of children being served foods either by the community kitchen (with a food service permit) or from an activity at the centre. A record of the foods served needs to be kept.

Observation. Regular staff is appropriately trained and experienced to operate facility - staff file is complete. Staffing file for substitute is missing ECE certificate and updated immunization status to reflect current BC immunization schedule.

Observation. Licensing Officers (LOs) observed that a concrete bike path, storage shed and greenhouse have been added to the outdoor play space since the last inspection, without notification to Licensing. The name of the manager must be posted in a prominent location.

Observation. Portions of the base of the fence were observed to be lifting away from the ground, creating gaps greater than 3.5", but less than 9". Gaps between 3.5" and 9" were also observed on the two gates at the end of the yard behind the climbing structure. An opening under the building, in the corner of the yard beside the food bank entrance, is potentially hazardous, creating access to building materials and an unfinished crawlspace area under the building . LO observed paint cans labelled "Keep out of reach of children" in a cupboard that could be accessible to children. Mitigation for radon gas levels above 200 Bq/m3 has occurred. Additional testing is in place. Awaiting long-term test results.

Observation. Some children's records were found to be missing the name and phone number of a doctor. Daily play space inspections were recorded on the attendance sheet. Missing are a record of monthly and yearly play space inspections.