Britannia Preschool

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Behavioural GuidanceNon-critical

  Behavioural guidance is appropriate to the age and development of each child. [CCLR Sec.51(1)(a)]

  Observation. There was a range of engagement between staff and the children and for individual staff across the span of the session. Auxiliary situated with the children in the art area, was fully engaged, listening, extending language and bridging conversation amongst the children. This same auxiliary sat with children at the snack table, conversing. The other two staff moved throughout the room, at times settling in with the children (to read a book or braid hair), attending to housekeeping and or responding to situations with individual children and between children as they arose. Noted staff using rules based language - Don't use hands, use words, keep feet on ground, inside voices, hands to yourself, that's not safe. Overheard one example of a combination of rules based, explanation for limits and advocacy - "Don't use your hands, use your words, your hands are hurting ____ I hear ___ say stop. Listen to his words." I heard one instance of a staff asking what was happening and listening prior to responding. More often, the staff observed then issued the reminder. Noted that "safety" was used as a reason to restrict children's movement and certain activities. One child moving from sitting to kneeling to reach a desired color while painting at table. Staff informed the child this was "not safe" and child was to sit on bottom when on a chair. Another child lay on top of cushions on modular seating in the north corner and was told to sit or stand as this posture was not safe. There are three tall stools next to the island in the kitchen. These stools have been part of the preschool / out of school care room for decades. The children appear to be attracted to these "big people" stools. They sit and play with pretend items or eat offered crackers or apples. The stools allow the children to converse with staff in the kitchen, much like you might do at home. Noted mixed messaging re use of stools. Some children are allowed to access the stools and others are not. Observed one small but very competent climber, scramble up the rungs and on to the seat safely. They reached out to a half full glass of water and began to drink. I inquired as to whether this was the child's glass. Receiving no response from the child, I asked a staff - saying the child appeared thirsty and wondered if this was their glass. Staff came over, thanked me and told the child that sitting on the stool was not safe. That this was not their water glass. They moved the child off the stool. They offered the child a fresh glass of water at the table, staff said to child, bum on the chair and tucked the chair under the table. The child drank the water. One staff modeled consent, asking a child prior to touching their hair and inquiring how they wished their hair braided, prior to starting. This matter of consent was inconsistent. For example, later observed some staff state, I am putting your coat on - after they had already started directing the child's arm in the sleeve. Also noted a child being picked up without any notice or dialogue from staff as to why. This practice has not been observed on previous visits. Note the guidance and care policies are undergoing review and revision. It is critical that policies and practice align. They must reflect the program's philosophy and individual needs of children in care. This visit brought up the need for critical dialogue regarding the difference between rules based language and inquiry based approaches, image of the child and safety, questions about consent as well as the use of touch and physical redirection.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Behavioural GuidanceNon-critical

  The behavioural guidance given to a child is consistent with any instructions in the child's care plan. [CCLR Sec.51(2)(a)]

  Observation. One child with additional care needs finished their snack. Bag was packed up. Staff went to the cubby area and came back with the child's coat. They placed the child in the winter puffy jacket saying their mother would be there soon to pick them up. This was 3:03 pm. I asked staff when the session was finished. Staff said 3:15. I noted the child was already in their jacket, 10 minutes is a long time. Staff said that this was a "SN child" and that "she knows after snack that her mom comes, so we put her jacket on." The child was picked up by their father at 3:17. I asked the Manager if this was part of the child's care plan. Manager stated no. Also noted that this child (small and light) was picked up and moved (for example off the stool or from nearing the storage room) versus a more engaged strategy. The use of touch and physical redirection should be made explicit in the care plan.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. As noted previously, the buildings are aging and maintenance is a key factor in ensuring longevity. The preschool room is shared with the out of school care. This room is heavily used year-round with multiple users and shows wear. Observed changes in furnishings and evidence of an evolving revisioning of the space. More attention to creating cozy spaces, protected areas for play, modular furnishings that open up possibilities and flexibility. Manager informed me the preschool/ out of school care room is to be painted over the winter break. To prepare for this work, it is critical that a deep cleaning of the space occur prior to painting. Many of the upper and hard to reach spaces in the room have not been cleaned in years. Thick dust is apparent on top of tall ledges and above cabinetry. Some of these areas are to be painted. Facilities cannot paint over dust. Lighting fixtures require cleaning throughout. In particular, the orange light covers are coated in thick fuzzy dust. Some children in care have asthma and dust is a trigger. Some fluorescents in the preschool / out of school care room are missing safety covers. This is a safety hazard. If an object were to fly up, the small pieces of glass could cause serious injury to children and staff. Blinds have not been cleaned since purchase. Hand prints and finger marks are visible. Dust is an issue. Blinds will likely be taken down as part of painting. Opportune time to send out for cleaning. In the recessed play area with bay window, the carpeted bench seating requires deep cleaning and assessment for replacement or repair, especially the carpeted bench near the window (fraying of carpet is evident). Long cushions and covers require attention – cleaning and repair / replacement. Ensure that any cushions have removable washable covers. Condition of the washroom tiles has been cited since 2024. Condition is worsening, especially alongside the east wall behind and around the toilets, i.e. hard to reach areas. During November 2024, there was discussion re planning for flooring replacement by the end of 2027. In the meantime, special attention should be paid to the tiles surrounding toilets to ensure that lifting tiles are not leading to water / urine egress. Manager pointed out the newly replaced toilet in November 2024 does not appear to have been sealed around the base. This must be followed up to extend the longevity of the flooring and to prevent rot.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. The outdoor courtyard is a shared space, used by Eastside Family Place, Britannia Preschool and School Age Care. Shared history with current Manager as well as prior discussion with previous Manager re plans to re-vision the yard. (See November 2024 routine inspections.) Discussed the importance of situating repair / replacement of particular elements of the yard within an overall cohesive plan. This way phases of work can take place, adding to the vision, without interfering or disrupting requirements to support the cohesive whole. In the meantime, bandaids continue to ensure safety and compliance with Child Care Licensing Requirements. There is a new mural along the east wall of the courtyard. An Indigenous artist worked with the children in creating the mural. The mural was inspired by a book the children were researching - To Be A Good Ancestor. Reviewed the pedagogical documentation. Manager informed me of how children participated in selecting the colours and some elements of the mural, e.g. butterflies. The children helped stencil butterflies on the boat in the yard with the artist as well. A blessing ceremony is upcoming where the children, families and Britannia community will welcome and bless the mural. Manager and I discussed the need to monitor rotting wood elements within the yard. Only one safety issue was apparent at this time. Manager pointed it out to me - a gap between the sand retaining wall and driftwood lower rail enclosure causing a tripping hazard. This can be addressed by inserting something in or other ways of closing the gap. Observed that most of the vegetation has been neglected and died (prior to change of seasons). The plant boxes used to include a range of hardy plantings and edible plants. It is time for the planted areas to be reanimated to meet original approved intent and ongoing compliance with Schedule G. Discussed with Manager opportunities to work with Indigenous knowledge keepers in revisioning the planted areas and choice of vegetation. Noted the bike rack to the right when exiting onto the courtyard. The bike rack is rusting out and not being used. It should be removed as it is a potential hazard. Large recycling bin is also taking up space in the undercover area. Inquired with Manager as to whether it could be relocated. Manager is in support of this.

• PROGRAM / Program of activitiesNon-critical

  Each child is provided with daily outdoor play periods unless weather conditions make it unreasonable to do so. [CCLR Sec.44(3)]

  Observation. See above for discussion.

• PROGRAM / Program of activitiesNon-critical

  Children are provided with a comprehensive and coordinated program of indoor and outdoor activities that is designed for the development and care of the children, and is appropriate for the age and development of the children. [CCLR Sec. 44(1)(a)(b)(c) and Schedule(G)]

  Observation. The program continues to work with a pedagogist from ECPN. Reviewed documentation posted and binder related to children' participation with the mural, the book inspiring the mural - Be a Good Ancestor, engagement re the tension between needs of plants, trees, animals and the environment & impacts of construction/ infrastructure for transit. Binder includes quotes from staff interviews and observations with children on walks and sessions with the pedagogist. One child wrote a sign - No more concrete - which was up on the conversation board. Manager and staff team with pedagogist are creating space in the south corner by the heater for plantings and other "green" activities. A newsletter is now shared with families at least once a month. Staff have been provided with a lap top and cameras to assist with pedagogical work, documentation and newsletter. Given the rich play materials in storage and inviting nature based provocations to play observed on past visits, I noted a lack of intention in how the room was arranged to greet children and what was offered for play today. Observed the following - one table with three peg puzzles, another with four pink plastic ponies and a plastic house in which none of the ponies could fit and in the northwest corner a triangular block and one long rectangular block as if to suggest a ramp. There was an extremely limited supply of wood blocks out for the children, making collaborative work impossible. The art table was set up with trays of paper and plates of different coloured tempera paint and peg circles the children could use to create prints. This art activity was facilitated by an auxiliary throughout until clean up time and an area of activity and interest. Many of the children today came and went. One child asked if they could have some water to work with the paint. A regular (not auxiliary) staff said no, that water was for water colors and this type of paint was not mean to be used with water. A missed opportunity for inquiry and exploration. When children asked for a story to be read, children flocked around as a staff read three books in succession in an animated and engaging manner. When the children asked for braids, three children gathered around as each had a turn and the staff shared stories from her childhood of having her hair braided by family. I remarked on the interest in hair, that it would be an interesting inquiry. Staff member responded saying that once they had braided one of the staff's hair. At snack one of the staff responded to questions about her persimmon. Staff shared her family and cultural experience of persimmons. The children continued to be curious about the persimmon and I wondered what might happen next, would the staff go farther with this interest. Staff person proceeded to eat as a couple of children watched. Throughout the session there were periods where one or more children, sometimes groups of up to four children, wandered about the preschool, while staff focused on housekeeping or other tasks (sorting art work, on computer, cleaning toys). Areas of the preschool were never explored (including the green area) and children did not engage for more than a minute or two with the few items staff had placed out on tables. It appeared as though some clean up was happening especially in the last hour of the session versus engagement with the children. While I appreciate that this was the afternoon session on a Friday and some clean up is required prior to school age care, this appeared early to me. Staff ratios (3 staff to 10 children) offered an opportunity for deeper and extended engagement. When the children approached staff and made a specific request, staff responded and most often in an appropriately engaging manner, conversing re areas of shared interest. Otherwise children moved about in a laissez faire manner and staff reacted to issues as they arose. The group did not go outside today. (At one point, a child was taken outdoors to "let their screams out" just outside the door then staff returned with child to the room.) Activity level at points suggested a need and or interest for outdoor/ gross motor activity. When I inquired about this, as in did I miss the outdoor play time or walk today, staff informed me that they had lost track of time and the children were so engaged in their play, they did not want to interrupt it to go outside. This was not consistent with my observation. Shared observations with Manager during and post inspection. Noted that the work with the pedagogist was promising and staff showed moments of their capacity for animated engagement. Minimum requirements were met this afternoon, except for the outdoor play requirement, but I anticipate that families and Licensee would expect more than what was observed today. While this was just one visit, of one session and a snapshot in time, I was left with questions about the lack of engagement and intentional curriculum offered the children today. As well as questions about staff's perceptions of safety / use of play materials and whether or not adequate daily outdoor play time is offered. Manager stated she would share these observations with staff and she would provide CCFL with an update. These questions are informing CCFL's requirements below.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. Overall the program is proactive in addressing maintenance issues. Manager pointed out the work that had been done since the last routine inspection. Manager remarked on the aging flooring. The wear is most evident at the main entrance and, especially, the washroom. The washroom flooring is stained and aged to the point where it is difficult to remove stains. CCFL strongly recommends the facility plan for replacing the flooring throughout the preschool within the next 2-3 years, with a priority on the washroom flooring. One of the washroom stalls is blocked off with caution tape/ door shut. Manager explained that the toilet tank lid was broken and on order. Manager thought it had been a month or two since the order was placed.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. The outdoor courtyard is in need of attention. Manager spoke to long range plans to revision the yard. In the meantime "band aids" will be applied to aging elements. The sand box has been blocked off and is not in use due to hazards. The sides of the seating storage unit have broken off and need repair. The frame for the trellis will require removal by December 2025, it is starting to become unstable. The grey cement wall barrier along the bike path and the deck requires attention - the paint is peeling. Discussed how the entry point to the climber might be modified to support child with mobility challenges. Manager and I agreed with the parent suggestion that a railing and grab bar on either side might work to support the child's access. Manager stated she would call a contractor in to provide a quote on the work discussed. An indigenous artist will be working with the program to paint the boat and redo the mural in the court yard. Manager noted the poured in place areas continue to pool with rain water during rainy days. Discussed how the staff teams' lived experience in the yard will inform the revision-ing.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. Overall the program is proactive in addressing maintenance issues. Manager discussed work orders that were underway. Two action items discussed today were the condition of cabinets above and below the art sink - cabinet fronts are due for refinishing - and the cracked tiles in the hallway.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Overall the program is proactive in replacing elements as they wear. A project currently underway is replacing the aging boat. The popular boat features has received bandaid repairs for years. Other wood elements that are damaged or exhibiting rot are to be replaced, including stumps and log retaining walls on planters. Planting to the east of the sand pit will be removed. Manager is looking for a vine that can grow over the trellis and provide shade but is non-pollinating. Manager will forward any drawings related to boat or any other structural pieces in the yard to CCFL for review and approval prior to installation. Manager confirmed that a pest control program is in place for rats. There are more rats and mice than past years. Manager will ensure that any new elements in the yard are designed or chosen with this in mind. Recent purchases for ongoing maintenance include a snow blower and sand blower.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. The facility is aging and repairs / replacement require careful planning. Noted the level of cleanliness and maintenance has declined. These rooms receive heavy usage (especially the shared 5-8 and preschool room) and require an extra level of care. Inspection occurred on a Monday and there was considerable sand on the floor and other debris (note - sand pit has been frozen for about a week). Flooring, rugs and area carpets require seasonal cleaning. Carpeted bench seating in the preschool / 5-8 room requires cleaning. High impact walls in the preschool / 5-8 room require washing - especially north wall in music / gathering area and in washroom. Stools in the washroom require a cleaning. CCFL highly recommends acquiring washroom stools in more easily maintained colours. Noted the dolls in the pretend area are worn, dirty and many have been dissected into body parts with red marks on trunks and appendages. The couch and ottoman in the preschool / 5-8 room are cut /peeling and their longevity is time limited. CCFL highly recommends planning to replace these much loved and functional items by end of 2023 (at the latest). Above shared with staff and Senior Supervisor.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. There was packed snow and ice on the walk way to the preschool / 5-8 room. This is a significant safety risk for children, families and staff trying to access the preschool / 5-8 room. People have to step onto the road to bypass. There was packed snow throughout the preschool / 5-8 yard. Staff reported they were given de-icer to melt the snow but it failed to work. The removal of snow and ice requires a two step process of snow removal then use of de-icer. This is a safety risk for children and staff. There are loose planks on the door of the wood shed on the northwest side of the yard. Broken "glass" mirror above the sand pit must be replaced or removed. Sand pit is currently frozen. Sand must be replenished by spring. Picnic table is in a state of disrepair - warped rough planks, etc.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. Overall the facility is well maintained. The carpets are showing wear and many are dirty.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Inspected the outdoor play area, spoke with facilities staff and then the staff team regarding items in need of attention. Discussed items requiring attention with the Manager on a post inspection call. The most significant issue seen today was the water running down from the building to the south and into the preschool / school age yard. This steady stream of water resulted in deep pooling of water in the west of the playground. Pooling could be mitigated by installing a gutter system (or other means to reroute the water out of the playground.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Ground Surfacing: The playground surface is free of standing water and debris. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. See previous discussion.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  The licensee has written parental consent to call a medical practitioner or ambulance in case of accident or illness, in cases where the parent cannot immediately be reached. [CCLR Sec. 57(3)(a)]

  Observation. In reviewing the emergency consent cards,noted that parental / guardian signatures confirming written consent are missing from the Google doc forms. Discussed with Manager, she will follow up and ensure that each family has provided written consent.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  The licensee has written, parental consent to release a child to someone other than the parent. [CCLR Sec. 57(3)(b)]

  Observation. Alternate pick up information is on file for each child. However written parent consent via a signature appears to be missing.