Hastings Park Childcare (0-3 GDC) - Group Child Care (Under 36 Months)

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 and staff team have been monitoring the condition of the counter tops throughout the facility since 2024/ 2025. Finish is starting to wear on many surfaces. The finish in the Under 3 kitchen is in satisfactory condition. Staff and Manager are monitoring kitchen and washroom counters. Discussed the level of cleanliness around the toilets in each Hastings Park program today. Some washrooms were worse condition that others. The flooring - corners and back of toilet - is the main issue. While flooring is aging, it was collection of loose debris and hair that was observed. The Infant and Toddler washroom is in the worst condition out of the programs. Significant build up and loose debris was observed in corners and behind the toilets. Manager concurred that this was not acceptable and will follow up. Note - this is the program where children may be crawling and have the most contact with the floor.

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. Facility and equipment are in satisfactory condition overall given the age of the building. Manager and staff team have been monitoring the condition of the counter tops throughout the facility. Finish is starting to wear on many surfaces. Most apparent is the kitchen shared between the 3-5 and multi age programs. Manager and I noted that molding at the bottom of the north activity / nap room door is lifting slightly. Manager stated she would attend to this. Likely just needs a little glue. Dust build up present on or around HVAC (air intake and venting) was noted throughout the facility. Manager said she had tried to hand clean some of the vents herself as the dust build up was evident. A professional company should do the cleaning of vents, etc. seasonally. This will improve air quality year round especially for those children & staff with allergies or asthma.

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 playground is under renovation to remove and replace damaged elements including wood pieces. Reviewed replacements underway in the Under 3 yard. Discussed leaving texturing on the wood to provide traction for safe grip of hands and feet. Noted the amount of shade with the mature trees. Observed the vines growing up and the sides of the exterior and weaving their way through roof elements including meshing for rain screen. Concern is for damage vines can do to wall infrastructure and membrane. Vines will have to be removed to protect the integrity of the building and then again before repainting (see below). Exterior of the building has not been painted since opening in 2011. Exterior paint is worn and faded. Exterior of building will require a repaint within two years (by summer 2026).

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 and I noted a couple of exposed screws/ nails that the Manager will extract or pound in. Noted the sand pits are low and full of subgrade grainy sand. Manager stated she was disappointed with the latest delivery of sand. There is a plan to remove existing sand and replenished with river washed, high quality sand. CCFL supports this plan. Current sand does not offer the same level of play value of higher quality sand and the pits need to be replenished. Discussed reasonable timeframe for action. Discussed possible planting options for around the tree on the west side of the yard. Manager will follow up with landscaping company.

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 and I discussed the following issues in the yard. Staff team and manager have observed the sand is drifting from both sand pits onto to high traffic areas creating a slipping hazard. The sand drifting also makes it difficult to maintain appropriate levels to facilitate play. Also noted that several of the wood rounds and platforms throughout the yard are nearing their end of life, e.g. rotting, and a safety hazard.

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 was opened in March 2012 and now beginning to show its age. Noted the paint is worn & chipped, dry wall and wall board is torn and ripped throughout the child care rooms. Note - It is typical for child care settings to have painting cycles of 8 -10 years or less for high traffic areas. Noted the door to the north nap room does not shut. Staff reported they pull it as far as it can go and leave it. Noted in the washroom the new countertops have worn round spots in the finish, i.e. bleach stains. It appears staff are filling the spray bottles on the counter and there is overflow of straight bleach or that the amount of bleach in the formula is too high. The manager stated she would speak with staff about the matter.

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 drains in the under 3 yard are free of leaves and debris. Noted the sand is heavily packed down due to rain and use, difficult for a child to dig and create in the sand.