Early Beginnings Multi-Age Child Care

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Furniture, Equipment and FixturesNon-critical

  Furniture or equipment for sleeping is used by only one child at a time, is clean and comfortable, and is appropriate for the size, age and development of the children intended to use it. [CCLR Sec. 15(2)]

  Observation. The bedding is stored in the hall closet in a separate manner. Mats are stored in the second hall closet. Upon review, some of the mats were found to be showing wearing. One mats had cracked edges with exposed foam. Others - the density of the foam is starting to break down. Some are of high quality dense foam with thick vinyl covers in good condition. Discussed with Manager who said she was aware of the mat with cracked edges and had been thinking of replacing some of the mats.

• 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. Manager is aware the sand pit requires replenishing. They have two bags ready to go. Manager stated she would follow up and top up the sand pit. Discussed how often sand should be replenished. Noted it is an action item that needs replenishing typically one or twice a year. Given the size of the MA's sand pit, it was suggested to replenish twice a year. A good reminder is every time change or as needed. Noted the fencing and gate are in satisfactory condition. The west retaining rail on the planter mid yard is rotten and wobbly to touch. Discussed with Manager. Rail could be replaced and then monitor the condition of the other retaining beams (some show advancing rot as well). Manager stated she thought she would remove the whole planter as this would open up the yard to other possible play. CCFL concurred with this, it would open the yard to many possibilities for open ended play. Noted that keeping spaces in the yard flexible can increase play value versus overprogramming the yard. Noted the space was too small for a climber or other structure. Manager stated she would like to remove the planter entirely and planned to do so by March 1, 2024.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. There was evidence that staff continue to use the two step method of cleaning and sanitizing. Observed the two separate sets of spray bottles in the activity and the washroom for sanitizing. There was a bottle of cleaner in the washroom and a tub of water and soapy water with cloth in the kitchen sink to support the two step method of cleaning then sanitizing. It appears the Co2 / smoke detector has been removed from the hallway. Additional information is required to ensure health and safety. Also noted that while all of the outlets in the childcare have covers, the play/ nap room's outlet covers are missing.

• 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. Noted the childcare is in need of a seasonal deep clean and repainting. Noted that some areas of the facility, equipment and furnishings used with or accessible by the children feature some heavy dust, spills and fingermarks, including the front of the oven in the kitchen, lower door frames, walls at child height. It would appear some of the toys/ equipment feature some heavy dust in corners. The condition of the drywall and paint has deteriorated overall from the last routine inspection in 2022. At that time, the licensee was advised the repainting should be planned for by end of 2024. There are further chips, scrapes, hand marks, dirt smears, crayon marks and paint spots. Noted that the door handle has punctured the dry wall at the entry to the nap room. CCFL would now direct the licensee this should occur prior to the end of 2023.

• 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 evidence the children are playing outside on a daily basis. Gates and fencing are secure and in satisfactory condition. There were a number of action items noted at the time of inspection requiring attention - see below. Open recycling boxes were located to the north of the shed accessible to the children - there were open cans with sharp edges and a bottle in the open containers. In the playhouse noted that as the children are aging/ getting taller they are placing items on the top ledge. The nails from the roof shingles are sharp and exposed; children may cut themselves. There is a long orange power cord coming up from under the northwest gate, across the back of the planter, through the vertical trellis up to the garden lights. We noticed if we pulled on the cord it moved the trellis. Noted that the power cord could possible be tacked down / secured along the back of the planter to prevent movement. The southwest post on the middle planter was cracked in half; the bottom of the post was covered to prevent injury from sharp edges.

• POLICIES AND PROCEDURES / Emergency 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. Emergency supplies are stored within a kitchen cupboard in a small backpack. The supplies would help support but are not sufficient to support the capacity and adult to shelter in place for up to 72 hours. The sub caregiver noted the larger container of emergency supplies is kept up outside alongside the building under the bay window. Noted that many of the items are significantly out of date including the water and freeze dried food.

• STAFFING / Additional criminal record checksNon-critical

  All persons over the age of 12 that are ordinarily present on the premises while children are present are of good character and the licensee has obtained a criminal record check for each person. [CCLR Sec 20]

  Observation. Licensee and her husband's Criminal Record Checks (CRCs) were up for renewal in February 2022. In post inspection email, forwarded the link and code for Licensee and her husband to renew online.

• 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. There are blinds throughout the facility. Most have the cords cut such that there are no loops. Noted on this inspection that some of the cords have been tied together to form loops. Discussed this with the Licensee as well as her husband. Provided options for addressing the matter. They both stated they would resolve the matter right away.

• 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 gates and fencing are in good repair except for the east gate. The latch is mounted on boards which are loose. Discussed this with the Licensee and her husband. They stated they would address this right away. The sand is getting low. Licensee and her husband will replenish before the summer.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  The licensee keeps a current record for each child showing the information required. [CCLR Sec. 57]

  Observation. Reviewed children's files and emergency consent cards with Licensee. Some of the emergency consent cards do not include the tetanus shots. Some children have this information in their files; Licensee will transfer this information over on to the emergency consent card. Three files were missing immunization records. Licensee followed up by sending families texts. One family texted back a copy right away. Licensee will ensure that CCFL is informed when all children have an immunization record on file. Also noted the Licensee is using older forms that are not as up to date re content / language and faded due to photocopying. Licensee stated she had the newest forms on file from my last inspection and will start using the new forms with all incoming children.