Helen's Family Child Care

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. Cleaning and Sanitizing Licensee is not using the two step method of cleaning and sanitizing. Licensee is using wipes alone in the washroom for diaper surfaces and a commercial spray cleaner on other washroom surfaces. Kitchen and activity room - Licensee is currently wiping down with soap and water with no sanitizing second step. Licensee stated she wipes the high chair trays at beginning and end of day. I noted there was evidence of food having been consumed earlier on one high chair tray. Cleaning and sanitizing practices have been discussed in the past. Licensee is aware of the need to clean and sanitize surfaces between uses. This includes but is not limited to diaper surfaces, play and eating surfaces, mats, etc. Licensee is aware of the recommended two step method and has demonstrated compliance in the past. I reviewed contact times and two step method with Licensee. We reviewed options for sanitizing. Licensee wants to go back to bleach and water as it is cheaper. Licensee said she understood the two step method and that she had used this before. Licensee stated her commitment to return to the previous practice of having one labeled spray bottle of soap and water & one labeled spray bottle of bleach and water - two sets - one set for the kitchen/ activity areas and one set for the washroom. Licensee is aware that this helps prevent cross contamination. Licensee said she would send a photo of the two sets of spray bottles and send me a photo. I will attached the CCFL Cleaning and Sanitizing Information Sheet to this report as a refresher re contact times, etc. Hazards on the washroom counter Requested Licensee review what is stored on top of the washroom hand sink counter. Licensee's adult son is now living in the home and using the washroom. Stressed that we need to ensure there are no hazards to the children, e.g. razors, personal items that her son would not want the children to get into. Securing the storage locker Noted that a large wood storage locker is not secured to the wall. Informed Licensee that it is over 4 feet, heavy and a hazard in case of toppling or earthquake. Licensee said she understood and will have her husband anchor the unit to the wall, that it was easy to do. I double checked the TV in the corner (it was new last year), it remains secured to the unit below. Licensee said she took the handle off the bifold doors on the closet so that children cannot open. She demonstrated how you can only open the closet by pulling on the top of the closet doors.

• 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 kept in a suitcase stored in the closet near the living / activity room. We did an inventory of the items stored today. All were expired - food and water. Informed Licensee water must be sealed and not refilled in used containers to prevent bacterial growth.

• 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 have up to date criminal check clearance letters. Current criminal record checks expire August and September 2028. Licensee understands the need to renew criminal record checks prior to expiry. A new discovery today was that the Licensee's adult son is now living in the home. The Licensee has not applied for a criminal record check for her son. Licensee thinks that the son has done a criminal record check through Ministry in Victoria as part of his current job. We discussed how the son must have a criminal record check as he is ordinarily present in the home of a licensed family child care. Reminded Licensee that CCFL cannot accept criminal record checks done through the police department. I asked Licensee to speak with her son and see if he could obtain a copy of his current criminal record check through his employer. (The son's current job involves providing care for vulnerable persons.) Licensee said she would ask and if he cannot obtain a copy, Licensee must request a criminal record check through our office. Licensee and her husband did their last renewal through the CCFL office with support staff. Licensee will inform me by March 23 as to the situation.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. Inspected the back yard with the Licensee's husband while Licensee was with the children. Overall the yard is in satisfactory condition. Appreciated the outdoor sink for play and handwashing. Discussed removing the broken washer and ensuring the gate at the bottom of the stairs is closed when children are outdoors playing.

• 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 files and emergency consent cards with Licensee. We noted that one parent had not provided immunization records. Licensee will obtain records. Licensee was not taking emergency consent cards with her on outings. Licensee took photos of emergency consent cards during my visit. She carries her phone with her on all outings. Compliance achieved. Licensee had one up to date photo but not one clear photo of the second child. Licensee confirmed she will take a photo of each child in care and carry her phone with her on all outings.