Children's World Child Care Centre - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

• 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. CCFL has been monitoring elements within each room that are aging and require planning for future replacement. On past inspections, we have discussed the need to plan for future replacement of washroom counters, cubbies and various millwork. Cubbies are in satisfactory condition. Repairs took place last year. Today there was just one strip of the veneer peeled away from the bottom of one cubby unit. When the veneer peels away, it exposes the particle board to water and dirt from boots, etc. Reviewed condition of the staircases, steps and risers, leading up to the upstairs preschool and daycare. While the wood steps have been attended too since last year, e.g. cleaned and waxed, the risers on the steps from landing to cubby area have deteriorated - the paint is peeling revealing wood beneath. These steps get the most use and should be prioritized for attention. Overall the furnishings and equipment are in satisfactory condition, clean and well maintained.

• 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. CCFL reflected on the age and wear of the facility, equipment and furnishings in last year's inspection report (2024). Today noted that the peeling paint on the risers between the steps on the staircase has worsened. CCFL notes that wear is starting to show in the wood. CCFL strongly encourages proactive maintenance to prevent further deterioration. Discussed the difference between the finishing on those areas that receive little foot traffic and those that receive heavy traffic - using the landing on the staircase as an example. Manager confirmed that the floors are repaired and cleaned at least once a year but perhaps not with the same protective finishing that has been used in the past. CCFL notes that a protective surfacing helps floors sustain the wear and tear of wet rubber boots, snow and grit from footwear. The need to plan for the future replacement of washroom counters, cubbies and various millwork has also been discussed during past visits. Noted that one of the toilets in the upstairs washroom was blocked off. Manager stated a work order has gone in but repair is still in process. Observed cubbies upstairs continue to show wear. There are pieces of veneer that have come away exposing particle board. Particle board chips away and or swells with exposure to moisture from coats, boots, etc. Carpet in the upstairs gross motor room is showing wear, the edges have unraveled beyond what can possibly be repaired. Manager reported that an HVAC renovation is planned. The child care rooms will be retrofitted with air conditioning. This is welcome news as in past years the child care - south facing rooms in particular - have been insufferably hot. The staff and children have coped via the use of portable air conditioners which are often inefficient and have their own risks. Manager will provide CCFL with a construction / installation plan as soon as she learns of the timeframe for retrofit.

• 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. Arrived during nap/ rest / alternate activity time in the afternoon. Observed staff providing options as per children's needs and desires. Options were provided and staffed to ensure children had access to outdoor and active free play as well as opportunities to rest / nap. Children rising from nap were given comfort and time to wake up at their own pace. In outdoor and indoor play, children were provided with materials that reflected their interests, e.g. blankets to create forts. Later in the visit, children who were hungry were observed at tables in the downstairs& upstairs room having snack from their lunch kits. Overall in both programs, social / emotional environment was responsive, calm and respectful. Both rooms moved through the afternoon in staggered and small groupings. Observed staff using walkie talkies to help communicate children's needs, e.g. child needing to access washroom from hall and child waking being supported in transitioning to hall. Manager stepped in to help support transitions when all staff were busy with children. Staff reported that the Manager is supportive, moving back and forth covering on the floor when the floater person is engaged. Observed pedagogical documentation on the walls of the entry hallway and the downstairs daycare. There were Ordinary Moments created by visiting practicum students. Staff created PNs inspired by children's explorations with large blocks, gym play, Dog Man and more. There was evidence of an ongoing inquiry with the children re Bad and Good Guys, inspired by a workshop attended by Manager then shared with the staff team. Manager shared the book that inspired the workshop. There are large colourful pieces of children's work (solitary and collaborative) reflecting the thinking around Good Guys and Bad Guys. Field note collaborations with the children were posted in the room to revisit and expand on. Observed collage using Origami -"Every play has a story" - displayed in the lobby area. In the downstairs daycare there is a post of field notes regarding discussions with children about the meaning and practice of recycling. Manager discussed the need to build on loose parts indoors and out. As noted in the routine inspection report of June 2024, some loose parts for gross motor play had been purchased for across licensed child care progam use, Occasional (todder) Child Care, Preschool to Group Child Care. Manager and staff team have identified the need to expand on this supply as children's interests change and they grow out of equipment. For example the Pikler style A frame is suitable for young 2 and 3 year olds. It is now time to expand on this supply, to support age appropriate, solitary, parallel and collaborative gross motor, construction and imaginative play. Manager noted the children are particularly interested in fort building at the moment. The children would benefit from a wider range of large construction items from which to build with. Outdoors the children are currently offered a range albeit limited of wood blocks, real pots and pans, PVC pipes, etc. Storage is via the "milk" cartons and is accessible to the children. Manager remarked on how the children are enjoying these materials but expressed some concern re the limited supply to spark imaginative constructive play and keep up with emerging interests, range of ages / developmental levels and needs. Post inspection, resources to assist with the above were sent to Manager via email.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. Observed the following outdoors - * The door and walls to the storage space under the stairs are damaged and require replacement. The door to the storage area is off its hinges and sitting out exposed with sharp wood edges * Noted that posts have been attached to two of the existing support posts on the sand hut. The existing support posts have rotted at the base. The wood frame & base to the sand box has reached end of life (rotted out) and must be replaced. Manager stated that facilities are aware of this required repair and there was evidence of some minor work on the north end of the hut. * Once the sand hut and pit is repaired/ replaced then sand requires replenishing. It is currently too low to facilitate play. * One foot / hand grip is missing on the climbing wall. * Some of the planks on the northeast deck under the play structure are chipped on the edges due to wear, with nails exposed. Those planks must be replaced. * Upper deck near slide should be monitored as nails are beginning to raise as deck settles. * Discussed the issue of drainage in the yard particularly on the bike path near the drain. The drainage had work done within the past 5 years. Staff stated that servicing and repairs occur when the drainage becomes a problem. There is currently no proactive servicing of the drain, i.e., cleaning and preventative maintenance on a regular schedule 3 times a year. Noted that drainage is a common problem in every child care as there is sand, earth, fibar and other required ground cover as well as leaves and other debris that can clog up drains. * There is a proposal from the General Manager to remove the earth mound and install rubber tiles or poured in place in that area as well as the bottom of the stairs (framed by bamboo). The proposal posits that this will eliminate the drainage issue and add play value to the yard. It is unlikely that the rubber surfacing will address the drainage issue, especially in the absence of a regular service plan. Many child cares have poured in place or rubber tile and continue to have drainage issues. In addition, staff stated the children spend time with the earth mound. Today observed children running up and down & interacting with the mound. There is clear evidence of the children digging the earth on the mound. It provides a different sensory experience than sand. Staff note the sand pit is small and they would like to keep the yard as natural as possible. CCFL noted that the earth is packed solid at the base of the stairs and staff reported that there is little to no transfer of earth from that area. Staff team propose mitigating the drainage issue via regular servicing and placing tires around the circumference of the mound to prevent the drifting of earth. CCLOs expressed support for this proposal including adding earth to the mound as the children clearly enjoy digging and the mound is now depleted. * The play structure in the centre of the yard is aging and replacement / re-visioning of the yard should be planned for in the near future.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. Staff are using the two step method of cleaning with a soap and water solution then sanitizing with a bleach and water solution. Noted the labels have faded on some of the bottles. Reminder to ensure each bottle is labeled. Overall the indoor environment is clean and well maintained, any exceptions are noted elsewhere in this report. To cope with impacts of climate change the daycares are using portable air conditioners and fans to help keep staff and children comfortable. Discussed ensuring that all fans are placed on secure surfaces. Noted that one of the heavy table fans upstairs was placed on a bookcase that was not secure. LOs moved the fan to a steady table and informed Manager. Also discussed the need to mindful of fan and air conditioning unit cords. Loose cords can be a hazard. Manager stated she would monitor this issue and ensure that cords are placed in a safe manner. Also noted that some heavy objects are stored atop of large built in cabinets in the gross motor/ nap rooms. Discussed the need to ensure all items are stored securely in case of earthquake (discussed options for doing so) or removed. Manager stated she would attend to this.

• 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. LOs and Manager inspected the outdoor playground jointly. One of the conditions to be met for the addition of the second daycare upstairs was the vitalization and programing of the undercover area. While the furnishings and some program materials remain, the area is not receiving the required attention and is thus by all reports underutilized. Staff and Manager stated the children spend most of their time on the upper level. This is in part because staff / Manager attention to this area has waned. The undercover area is a vital part of the yard with great play value potential. It is all the more important with the impacts of climate change, e.g. heat and sun exposure. Manager said she understood Licensing's concern and agreed to attend to this matter. Inquired about the stack of long planks against the east wall on top of a low shelving unit. Manager stated these planks were for a proposed shelving unit on which to store loose parts and mud kitchen accessories. The project has not progressed since CCFL's last visit. Manager said she would touch base with the person who was to create the shelving unit. Discussed Manager's plan to have the mound turned into a climbing experience with embedded tires. This project is waiting for time and materials. Noted that CCFL will need to inspect and approve the plan when the time comes. For now, suggested the area would be activated with loose parts (on a past visit children were using short planks) or ramps for use with water, cars and other play materials. Manager said she would consider this and discuss it with the team. Reviewed maintenance issues cited 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. The centre equipment, furnishings and fixtures are starting to show signs of wear. Reviewed items for replacement both in the short, middle and long term with the Executive Director. Noted that when it comes time to replace the washroom counters consideration should be given to lowering the counter to child height. Children will then be able to reach without needing a two step stool. Noted some nap mats are cracking on the corner exposing the foam making it difficult to clean and sanitize.

• 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. Reviewed the current status of the outdoor play yard with Executive Director (ED) and some staff. All agreed that the yard has considerable potential and would benefit from a re-visioning and greening. The current climbing structure is in satisfactory condition but its replacement should be planned for within the next 5 years. CCFL would welcome the opportunity to review options for re-visioning the yard when the licensee is ready to act on this. There is one sand pit (full) and one rock pit that appears to be under utilized. CCFL encourages staff to have a conversation about this area of the yard and its potential. If the pit is meant to remain as a pebble area then it should be replenished with pebbles and or sand. Discussed this with one staff who said she would raise this with the team. There are large heavy planks stored against the building. They are not being used as loose part because they are heavy and unwieldly. One staff brought out a small collection of small planks which the children used immediately. Discussed options for expanding on the collection of loose parts with the ED and some staff. The undercover area continues to be underutilized. Conditions for expansion to include a second licensed child care included expanding on the potential of this area. ED said he has been exploring the possibilities with staff.

No violations recorded at this inspection.