Hastings Park Childcare (3-5 GDC) - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

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. Most apparent is the kitchen shared between the 3-5 and multi age programs. The counter top surrounding the kitchen sink facing the 3-5 room has deteriorated since last inspection. When the finish comes off, it makes it impossible to adequately clean and sanitize. Any liquid or substances soaks into the particle board underneath the worn finish. Also noted the fronts of the cabinets under this sink have two large chipped areas, exposing particle board. CCFL advises planning for replacement or refinishing of the kitchen counters and cabinet fronts (as noted) within two years. Manager said Licensee is aware and they are monitoring with a plan for replacement in the near future. Manager will keep CCFL apprised. 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. In the 3 -5 washroom this was observed to be most significant in the southeast corner by the toilet furthest from the entry to the washroom. Manager concurred that this was not acceptable and will follow up.

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. Noted that sand and soil replenishing was due in all Hasting Park yards. Discussed ensuring the sand was of quality, river washed sand (not coarse) to provide for the best play value (e.g. molding capacity). This may mean in some yards removing the existing sand and replenishing in full versus a top up. Note - for health and hygiene reasons a full replacement is recommended every couple of years at the least. Manager stated all of the above was in progress and anticipated to take place early spring. CCFL accepts this assurance and planned work as compliance. Pointed out areas where soil erosion was evident and past issues have arisen, e.g. in northwest corner on the slope down to the fence (children have dug under the fence in years prior). Manager said they would monitor and infill with soil as required. The MA yard's drain is clogged resulting in pooling. Suggested that the 3-5 and toddler drains be serviced at the same time as the MA's to prevent drainage issues. Such servicing should be part of a routine maintenance cycle. In each yard there are some wood elements with rough, worn edges, e.g. wood around sand pit. Structurally the wood is solid but rough edges should be attended to with proactive sanding to prevent splinters or cuts. Suggested acquiring a portable sanding unit to use on worst elements and small child sized sanding blocks for the children to help care for their environment. Manager stated that they would follow up. Manager expressed support for finding ways to involve the children. Noted the green tarp was still affixed to the fencing facing the track. This tarping was affixed to address the track's perceived safety concerns for their jockeys while on practice runs with the horses. The track is now closed - the tarp can come down, air flow enhanced and children's view liberated. Manager stated they would follow up. Suggested repurposing the tarping for shade or creation of forts etc.

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. The counter top surrounding the kitchen sink facing the 3-5 room has deteriorated since last inspection. When the finish comes off, it makes it impossible to adequately clean and sanitize. Any liquid or substances soaks into the particle board underneath the worn finish. Also noted the fronts of the cabinets under this sink have two large chipped areas, exposing particle board. CCFL advises planning for replacement or refinishing of the kitchen counters and cabinet fronts (as noted) within two years. 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 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. The condition of the finish on the kitchen counter tops and the front of the cabinets under the sink are to be monitored. Finish is starting to wear. Observed torn molding along the north wall in the gross motor / nap room.

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. Noted the broken tile on the east wall just south of the entry door to the playground. A piece has completely broken away, revealing the cement wall underneath. Noted the chipped frame around the entry door to the playground. Manager noted both issues have been brought forth for repair but there has been no action to date. 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. 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. Observed one log with a crack and some deterioration on the log tangle climber. Manager will monitor. Observed wood rot and decay on northeast corner post of the climber south of the bridge. Ships ladder - observed rot and exposed nails. West side of the ladder - wood rot and exposed nails, there is movement in the dowel. Manager will follow up with repairs.

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 that several of the wood elements throughout the yard are beginning to show signs of age - chipping away and rot. Manager and staff are monitoring for any safety hazards. Observed the sand pit comprised of compact earth. Manager informed CCFL that sand had been placed in pit in August. It appears all the sand has travelled to other areas and that earth has been brought over from planters by the child. Attempted to dig with my foot and found the ground to be hard packed. Discussed options with Manager. The children need to dig and create. They cannot do so currently. Stated I would leave this with the Manager and staff team to decide whether or not the pit was filled with earth or sand, regardless the pit does require replenishing to support sensory play. CCFL notes once the pit is filled, the same issue may arise as with the other yards, i.e. sand/ earth spilling out and or drifting onto traffic areas.

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. Two lights are out - one in the main activity room and one in the washroom. There is a leak in the hallway outside of the 3-5 room. Source of the leak is being explored.

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 wood planks on the round around the tree are rotting and require replacement. Ensure the drains in the yard are kept free of leaves and other debris. Ensure the climbing structure is monitored for algae build up. Last year the climbing structure became unsafe to use due to slippery slime and required power washing. Noted that a mat is being used to cushion the landing below the slide. Discussed redistributing the existing fibar to help with this and ensure equal distribution throughout the area. Noted the sand is heavily packed down due to rain and use, difficult for a child to dig and create in the sand.