Eagles in the Sky Out of School Care - Group Child Care (School Age)

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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 there is mindful attention to cleaning throughout the aging facility. SAE team are maintaining upgrades and augmenting changes made over the past four years. (See past routine inspection reports.) Areas requiring immediate attention include the main entry steps on the northwest side of the building. The condition of these steps has been deteriorating for years and Band-Aids - e.g.. replacement of a plank or two - are no longer sufficient. See attached photo. The School Age Care has blocked off this staircase and landing and families / school age now using alternate entry / exit points on the east side of the building. Supervisor and manager have been advocating for replacement for a couple of weeks. Manager reported the materials are now in the store room but no one from VSB facilities has come to replace the steps. This is a serious concern as these stairs and landing are the main entrance for the facility and a means of egress in case of fire. Their repair must be prioritized. Manager noted that children are now avoiding the two stalls in the west part of the outbuilding. The doors are older and have the key lock with a sliding bolt retrofitted above. There is a key hole through which children may spy on each other. SAEs have tried blocking these openings. The sliding bolts are sticking and difficult for children to slide over. The SAE team and children want to switch the hardware to that which is on the two stalls on the east side of the building, easy for children to use and private (no peek hole). CCFL supports this change. CCFL also noted that, whatever hardware is chosen, consideration be given to access in case of an emergency (e.g. child barricades themselves in stall or has a medical emergency, e.g. passes out). Flooring in the activity room - condition has been monitored for years. Current condition requires planning for replacement within one, two years at the most. The lino is heavily pocked, with damaged and thin areas and many cracks especially near the main entry by the kitchen. Cracks such that mopping or spills will soak right down to floor boards and lead to rot. Strongly recommended monitoring the finish on the kitchen counter to the right of the sink. Finish is showing wear. Once finish has worn down, substances from food prep and cleaning / sanitizing will soak into pressed board underneath.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay 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. Children use the school playground as well as other local parks. The play structures on the west side of the school grounds are in satisfactory condition. The fibar is sufficient but fibar that has drifted under platforms should be raked to ensure equal distribution, particularly under high impact areas, e.g. end of slides. Suggested that the school age care acquire some rakes and include the children in the raking. There are many schools and VSB facilities cannot maintain the raking at all. The long wood barrier on the west side of the playground wobbles when you stand on top. Noted considerable rot and exposed nails (see photos) where the two long rails connect. Discussed with Manager. VSB facilities may be coming to inspect and do maintenance on the yard in the summer. This safety issue should be brought to their attention for action. Manager pointed to the benches that have been replaced throughout the yard. This was a welcome retrofit and long overdue. Unfortunately there are still rough edges on some benches such that children have hurt their skin,. Manager also pointed out the wood appears bare with no weather proofing. Manager and I wonder how long the wood will last without weather proofing. This should also be brought to VSB attention. It could be they intend to return and complete the work before summer's end. But in the meantime, the school age children can only use the benches with caution. The rough edges must be attended to for the school, school age and public users.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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. Manager confirmed that a large order of equipment, furnishings and play materials are on their way. For example, new tables and chairs are coming. Staff team are looking forward to the order. New stove is in place since last routine inspection. All appliances appear to be in working order. The facility is aging and elements have been repaired / replaced as required. Today noted the riser on the top entry step to the outbuilding is showing rot - plywood has broken off - and it is not likely to weather well during the winter. This is an emerging safety hazard and must be addressed. Discussed with manager.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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 environment is clean and well organized. Most items are in good repair. The improvement since January was notable as soon as I walked in. Any exceptions to this are cited below. Note the right faucet in the trough sink was broken. No water. This leaves only one faucet in the west washroom. Staff reported that a work order has gone in. The broken faucet was observed yesterday. One of the elements on the stove is broken and connection loose. The oven is not keeping temperature. The oven is used for snack preparation. There was a vacuum sitting near the east exit in the hall. Inquired about its status. Manager and staff reported it was broken and would be picked up for garbage shortly. Observed that there are not enough chairs to meet capacity. Some of the chairs are aging and require replacement. Manager stated 15 chairs are required.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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 has been recently painted & the entry and washroom flooring replaced over the past 5 years. Both have facilitated cleaning and upkeep, especially in the washrooms. Kitchen counters continue to wear. Last inspection report discussed replacement in 2024. Upon review today, CCFL notes this replacement could be delayed until 2025/ 26, depending on ongoing care and maintenance. Cracks and worn areas are visible in the red flooring. Condition should be monitored. Suggest planning for replacement within the next 3 years. The cleanliness and organization of the equipment, play materials and storage systems for play materials has deteriorated since last year. All areas of the outbuilding are cluttered. Play materials are dispersed throughout different containers or on different shelving ; some toys are broken or missing parts. There are trays of old art and sensory materials and other varied items on the counters in the art and kitchen areas. Jumbled clothing is on the floor under the sign in desk. The storage system for the outdoor equipment is broken. Carpets are dirty and stained. Book area is in disarray. Some books appear damaged. The overall impression of the space and offering of materials is chaotic. Both rooms need a deep clean, inventory of play materials, systems for storage & organizing play materials as well as furnishings that support the program and ultimately children's needs. Re-imagining the use of current furnishings and the purchase of additional furnishings will assist staff in creating inviting protected pockets of play - quiet areas, art areas, manipulatives and construction, dramatic play. Currently there is no clear definition of space. This sets the stage for frustration and conflict. In our post inspection discussion, Manager indicates she sees the issues with the environment and wants to create positive change within the program. The focus has been on coping with the day to day demands and staffing. What is needed is the time and resources to re-imagine, re-organize and re-equip the environment in an intentional way, based on the children's interests and needs. Once the environment has been refreshed, it will be easier to maintain; the children will be invested in caring for the environment and maintaining a sense of order that supports their play.

• POLICIES AND PROCEDURESEmergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  There is an emergency plan that sets out procedures to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from any emergency. [CCLR Sec. 22(1)(b)]

  Observation. Reviewed the bags of emergency supplies and noted the water and food expired in October 2023. Bags are stored in the room under the counter between the kitchen and activity room. Bags were dirty/ dusty. During post inspection discussion, Manager stated that the Supervisor for the site had recently ordered new supplies. Encourage staff team to conduct a yearly inventory of supplies.

• RECORDS AND REPORTINGSafe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Maintenance of Equipment: A log is kept of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. While staff do conduct visual scans of the playground prior to access, these inspections are not being recorded. Discussed the regulatory requirement for daily inspections as well as consequences for failure to do so re insurance. Manager has committed to returning to recording inspections and follow up.

• STAFFINGEmergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

  Observation. Reviewed the posted emergency drill records. Drills were done January to April 2023 and then lapsed until August 2023. Noted the last recorded drill was August 8, 2023. Reviewed the need for fire drills to be conducted and recorded monthly. Manager stated her commitment to return to this required practice.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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. Reviewed outstanding contraventions from last routine inspection in February 2022. Noted the new games table in the east room. This air hockey table was well used during this inspection. Noted that some action items remain outstanding. See below.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay 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. Outdoor inspection was completed and found concerns related to rotting wood and exposed large rail nails on the planter box on the north central side of the yard.

• RECORDS AND REPORTINGSafe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Maintenance of Equipment: A log is kept of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. While staff team is conducting daily playground inspections, these are not being recorded. This has been an ongoing issue in the past. Staff team are aware of the need to record inspections and remembered having sheets for this purpose in the past. Discussed this requirement with Manager as well as options for compliance.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGEnvironmentNon-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. Manager reported there are ongoing issues re the cleaning provided via VSB. She reported that there is little communication between the cleaner and the staff. Noted that this issue is not uncommon and has been addressed in similar settings (school, community centre, neighbourhood house) through the use of a checklist to communicate expectations and work completed. CCFL recommends the Licensee / Manager follow up with this suggestion. The facility & some furnishings are aging and in need of attention in key areas cited below.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay 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. Conducted an outdoor inspection of the play yard and surroundings in use by the children. Manager informed me that the VSB is aware of two areas with drainage issues in the play yard. She observed some repairs occurred this past week. The next rain will confirm whether or not the repairs were adequate. Manager also noted that the VSB is working on issues related to skunks living under the building. The following are identified issues that must be addressed.