Grandview Terrace Child Care Centre - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

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. Considerable repair and replacement measures have taken place from late 2023 to 2024. Manager and staff continue to maintain and monitor key elements outdoors on the deck and in the yard. Today discussed with staff and Assistant Supervisor the following - * Monitoring the condition of the stairs leading up to the OSC portable, especially the southeast platform - some of the planks are showing wear. * Monitoring the condition of the ground level wood railings surrounding the raised fibar area in the northeast corner. The ground level wood railings (at grade with asphalt) are showing signs of chipping & lifting, beginning to expose hazards, such as tripping hazard, large nails beginning to lift. * Assistant Supervisor pointed to the area of cracked and missing chunk of concrete at the southeast corner at bottom of bridge. This is a significant tripping hazard and must be addressed asap. The risk increases with the season changes as the tripping hazard may be covered by leaves or eventually snow and ice and not readily apparent until the child has tripped.

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. Observed the couch that was purchased after the last routine inspection. Noted significant changes in how the room was arranged and the care that has been extended to the choice and arrangement of new shelving, storage, etc. Overall the facility is aging and many key elements require replacement. Manager and staff informed CCFL that the centre will close from December 24, 2025 until re-opening on January 2, 2025. This closure will facilitate some much needed renovations. Flooring replacement throughout the facility is planned as well as replacement of the counter tops in the washroom and art sink areas. The sinks will be replaced in the washroom. Manager informed CCFL that other key elements that require replacement are not yet planned for. CCFL expressed concern regarding new countertops being installed on top of old, worn cabinets. CCFL also notes the age of the art area sink and fixtures. CCFL reviewed the proposed renovations and has the following additional requirements below.

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 furnishings and equipment is in satisfactory condition with some exceptions. Noted the loveseat purchased in 2021 is in poor condition. The frame is showing wear and the cushion are deflated, covers torn with stuffing exposed. Discussed ensuring the next purchase is of sturdy construction and easy to maintain with the Acting Manager. Suggested some options for replacement, e.g. the wood frame couch with removeable cushions and washable, removeable covers in the pre teen Spirit Bear room at Britannia School Age Care. That unit is decades old and still holds up to daily use by multiple children. Interior floor mat by the back door (entry to outdoors) is worn with bare patches. Discussed replacement with Acting Manager.

All indoor and outdoor play materials and equipment accessible to children are suitable for the age and development of the children, safely constructed, free from hazards and in good repair. [CCLR Sec. 16(4)]

Observation. Reviewed the offering of play materials indoor and out. There is clear evidence of some consideration of children's interests in what and how many items are offered. For example, outdoors - the Acting Manager stated the children enjoy playing with the table top houses and so they have three to meet this interest and avoid conflict. This is thoughtful planning. We noted on closer observation that all three house do not accommodate the figures and other props offered. The number of figures offered is minimal. The units are all toddler units meant for toddler hands and other smaller figures/ props. On the other hand the inside hardwood block set are split between the indoor and outdoor play areas resulting in an unsatisfactory number and range of blocks for children to work with, e.g. a child would not have enough blocks to create an enclosure and there is clearly not enough to support cooperative play. There must be a full set of hardwood blocks to ensure solitary, parallel and cooperative play can be supported. Overall the change in staff and the new year offers the staff team an opportunity to revisit and refresh indoor / outdoor play materials offered as well cleaning and maintenance schedules.

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. Acting Manager has begun obtaining quotes from contractors to repair elements of the outdoor play yard. Acting Manager has identified elements requiring attention. The wood structures are showing an unusual amount of wear given that the yard was renovated within the last 5 years tops. There is caution tape on some elements and noted today that some railings are hanging by a nail. Also discussed the condition of the ramp and deck, noting that almost every year the areas are painted and every years they begin to peel. Perhaps time for a rethink re approach. Acting Manager and I discussed the option of sanding down to the wood and using a weatherproofing stain / coating rather than painting every year. Acting Manager stated she would raise this with the board. The repairs to the outdoor play yard are a priority. I noted that some elements require replacement immediately (bridge and sand pit areas for example) whereas other wood elements are showing some wear but are sturdy / sound and could wait for 2-5 years for replacement. The ramps and decks can be done in the spring. Sand can be replenished after the sand pit repair.

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

Observation. Staff members reported that the yard has experience flooding during heavy rains. Today observed the water level in the drain was high considering that it had not rained for 2-3 days. Staff reported that on some rainy days the pooling is such that the children cannot use the yard. One staff estimated the depth of the pooling to be about 8 inches. Post inspection - During call, Manager confirmed the flooding has been an ongoing problem. Manager reported that last year the city serviced the drain and since then the flooding has been less frequent or extreme. However the overall problem is systemic /structural and recurring. Manager said the VSB came and did some scoping with a camera. There is some kind of blockage within the drainage system in the school yard. I shared the issue with flooding in the Singing Frog playground on site that is recurring as well. Noted the drainage system is connected and a wholistic solution is required. Suggested Manager collaborate with Singing Frog manager on this issue. Manager stated she would follow up with Singing Frog and requested a meeting with Principal of elementary school, possibly VSB facilities, shortly. Manager will keep me posted.

All indoor and outdoor play materials and equipment accessible to children are suitable for the age and development of the children, safely constructed, free from hazards and in good repair. [CCLR Sec. 16(4)]

Observation. Overall the furnishings and equipment are well maintained. Noted the safety latches have not been reinstalled since painting on the large bifold doors in the activity and nap rooms. Assistant supervisor said she would follow up.