Kids and Company Vancouver West (GDC < 3) - Group Child Care (Under 36 Months)

• 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. Licensing observed the following: *ceiling tiles: multiple ceiling tiles placed in the children's activity spaces, gross motor rooms and bathrooms appeared to show signs of wear and tear with cobwebs hanging. Some have holes and stains due to previous leaks. *vents in the shared bathroom (T1 and Infant) and children's activity spaces: observed cobwebs and thick dust. *observed a broken toilet in the shared bathroom (T1 and Infant): The program manager has a plan to remove this toilet and turn this stall into a storage. *flooring and skirting boards/baseboards in the classrooms and the shared bathrooms: appeared to be dirty with debris and dust buildup. They require a deep clean. *indoor ride on toys - several pieces of tape are applied on a seat to prevent access to the under seat storage. Tape appears to be peeling and old - this item is no longer easy to clean and in good repair. *a blind cord holder in T3 is broken. *In the infants' playground - observed a wire with sharp edges in the garden area, accessible to children. This can pose as a safety hazard. *rusted metal railing placed in the upper level playground (T3). Discussion took place regarding treating rust to prevent further corrosion as it poses a safety hazard for young toddlers.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. The facility is aging and areas of the indoor and outdoor environments are showing wear. Considerable work was done last year regarding cleaning and repairs. There are separate sets of spray bottle solutions for cleaning and sanitizing in the activity area and the washroom. This helps mitigate cross contamination. Observed staff not adhering to VCH recommended cleaning and sanitizing practices in two of the Under 3 rooms. For example, spraying sanitizer on the surface and then immediately wiping the sanitizer off. Sanitizer requires adequate contact time to work, e.g. bleach and water solution requires 2 minute contact time, if quatz solution is used follow manufacturer's instructions. Noted inconsistent understanding and or practice between staff re: cleaning surfaces and then sanitizing surfaces. For example, spraying cleaning solution in middle of the table and focusing on the centre table versus cleaning the entire table and edges. Snack today was French toast and many sticky fingers were grasping table edges when getting in and out of chair. Important to be thorough in cleaning and sanitizing to help mitigate against outbreaks and cross contamination. Also observed one Toddler room staff changing a child using gloves and then not washing their hands after removal. Manager concurred that wearing gloves does not eliminate the need to wash hands post change and clean up. Cleaning and sanitizing practices were reviewed during last routine inspection in 2024. Noted that VCH information sheets re Cleaning and Sanitizing practices are posted in some rooms. Manager stated that they will review the two step method with staff again and monitor for sustained practice. Observed rodent bait box in passage way from activity rooms to shared infant and toddler 1 washroom. Manager removed the bait box and placed it in the staff room. Ensure that all bait boxes are out of reach of children. Manager committed to doing so.

• 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. The kitchen in Preschool 1 serves two purposes - as the kitchen for the Preschool 1 room as well as the permitted kitchen used to prepare food for the entire facility including the infant and toddler rooms. The kitchen is inspected by the district EHO. Flooring and counters in washroom - The amount of damage caused by the wall mounted hand soap is stable from last year (i.e. has not worsened). Revisited this issue with the Manager, noting that most toddler and 3-5 group child care have gone to simple hand pump soap, kept on the counter. Inquired about the Kids and Company capital replacement cycles and recommended that washroom tiles / counters be included. Level of cleaning - The condition of the shared toddler washroom - Toddler 2 and 3 - was below acceptable standards. The cabinets, walls and molding along the floor are dirty. One toilet is broken. Manager reported this toilet is an ongoing problem suggesting deeper investigation is required. Manager agreed the level of cleaning in this washroom requires immediate attention. Toddler 3 door - Window Condensation was evident between the panes of the window. While not an immediate health and safety issue, if left, the pooling water will result in damage that may make the window pane unstable. Noted weather stripping is coming away at the bottom of the door - tripping hazard. Vents - Some of the vents for the HVAC system are clean and others are not (e.g. thick dust and hanging cobwebs). In Toddler 3 - the east facing gross motor / nap room vent requires cleaning. As does the vent in the shared washroom for the Toddler 1 and infant room. Air exchange - Shared washroom for the Toddler 1 and infant room. The smell in the shared washroom was beyond expectations. Manager noted that when the new air exchange / HVAC system went in, the previous venting was turned off. It appears this has left the shared washroom for Toddler 1 and infants without air circulation such that odours linger past typical duration. A solution must be found to this problem. Cords - Manager addressed two sets of loose and low hanging cords in Toddler 1 and 3 gross motor/ nap rooms during inspection. Compliance achieved during inspection. Torn tumbling mat - Manager will duct tape torn corners of worn tumbling mat in Toddler 1 gross motor/ nap room. This quick fix might hold. If not then mat to be replaced. Cardboard on sides of two cribs - Observed two cribs with cardboard borders secured on the sides of each. A child was sleeping in each of the cribs. The cardboard appeared to be relatively new (no wear). Spoke to Manager who stated they knew nothing about this. It appeared as if the placement of the cardboard was very intentional, for a reason. We agreed the cardboard was a safety hazard. A child could mouth or tear off pieces and choke or use the border as a shelf for standing on, a falling hazard. Infant staff team later explained the cardboard was secured to the sides of two children's cribs for the following reasons: 1) one child falls asleep with a soother and the soother falls out of the crib, child wakes up and cries, waking others and 2) one child's foot repeatedly gets stuck in the bars of the crib, child wakes and cries, waking others. I explained that in mitigating one situation sometimes we create another and, in this case, a more hazardous situation. Infant staff team confirmed they had not discussed the issue with the Manager prior to securing the cardboard. Discussed options for moving forward with Manager and staff team. Determined the most effective and time efficient way to support the child(ren) and team was to look at a crib swap with another Kids and Co site that has closed sided cribs. To order two more cribs may take months. In the meantime, directed that the cardboard must be removed as soon as the children woke up today. Manager mentioned that wall heating units will be removed from throughout the facility. Currently heating units are covered until removal. Noted that the wear on cubbies remains stable. However cubby replacement should also be included as part of future budgeting and replacement cycles.

• 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. See routine inspection report of May 2024 for details re changes to yard and past work completed. Considerable work was done to upgrade and maintain the lower outdoor play spaces in 2024. See below for discussed of work to be done in all yards including 3-5 as those may visited by the Under 3 children. Note Toddler 2 and 3 switch yards am and pm. Today noted that the upper and lower sand pits were low in sand, especially the upper sand pit (landscape membrane was seen). Advised manager to order river washed sand from a reputable suppliers to ensure quality play value and safety. In the lower yard, Manager brought to my attention the condition of the seat (3rd from the left) in the west playground. Noted the chipped wood on the two upper edges. Advised that Kids and Co can either remove and replace the seat or cut off the two corners & sand the wood down for safety. Manager reported that Kids & Co were considering replacing the earth and grass in the middle yard with poured in place rubber. I noted there is an abundance of hard and artificial surfacing in the yards. Advised that what Kids and Co West 6th does not offer children is an opportunity to interact with natural surfaces and planting on an ongoing basis. The amount of planting/ vegetation is minimal and decorative (e.g. infant yard). Suggested leaving the earth and or adding ground cover such as moss or creeping thyme which is more hard wearing and drought resistant than grass. Remarked on how planting bare feet on damp earth can be a most welcome cool/ sensorial delight on a hot day. Strongly encouraged the introduction of plantings that children can interact with. Infant yard - Observed that in one corner of the yard, staff had secured a crib panel with the bars going horizontally creating a ladder. The intention was to block off an area the staff considered unsafe. Required that the panel (if needed) be secured with the bars going vertically to prevent climbing hazard. Infant staff team and Manager agreed to do so. Reviewed the two climbers on the second floor. Noted the stairs on the east side climber has some significant cracks in the wood. With the moist weather the wood is supple but come the dry weather, staff will have to monitor for further cracking and splintering. Staff will also need to monitor the cracks on the rappelling wall on the west climber. Flashing has lifted in the southeast corner of the Toddler 3 yard exposing a possible hazard. Manager pointed out the cracks in the poured in place on the upper west playground next to the gate between the west / east yards. There is a plan to address these. I inquired as to the warranty on the work. Discussed heat and sun mitigation plans for the summer with Manager. Manager reported staff will extend the two awnings, the one umbrella and use water play. I encouraged further measures such as pots of vegetation that provide shade and or free standing weighted canopies.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. The facility is aging and areas of the indoor and outdoor environments are showing wear. Also noted that while the overall cleanliness of the facility is satisfactory, there are exceptions such as along the molding, in corners, between appliances and cabinets, alongside & behind the stoves & fridges. In the infant room, one corner of the nap room (west side) is dusty and cob webs are along the window where staff have used paper to keep out the light. Between the infant kitchenette cabinet and the fridge is an accumulation of dirt and mouse feces. Hard to know whether this is fresh or old without a deep clean. Upstairs the shared toddler kitchen also requires attention including a deep clean around the fridge, repair of the corner cupboard door and damage to kitchen counter. In the art area, part of the veneer is off the counter and particle board exposed. These areas require a deep clean that cannot be addressed via daily light housekeeping or even the nightly cleaning crew. Staff's priority is the children. They cannot be expected to address the deep cleaning. Remarked that once the deep cleaning occurs, the level of overall daily / weekly cleaning will be easier to maintain. Noted the use of wall mounted hand soap was causing damage to flooring below. Shared with Assistant Director that many programs have removed the wall mounted soap to go with simple hand pump soap at each sink, finding this helps optimize the lifespan of their flooring. The damage was most evident in Preschool 1 washroom and some of the toddler washrooms. One of the change pads in the shared infant / toddler washroom was torn and cracked, exposing the foam inside. The Assistant Director stated she would immediately replace this pad with a new one. Assistant Director said she had a new one on site. Observed separate sets of cleanser and sanitizer for the main activity room and the washrooms in the infant and toddler programs today. All bottles were appropriately labelled. Inquired as to why there were three bottles - one for soap and water, one for bleach and water and then a third for water. Typically with a bleach & water sanitizer, one can follow the two step method. It is only for some quatz sanitizing solutions that a rinse or third step is required. Noted that one can use a rinse after the bleach and water sanitizer as a third step but it is not required. Observed a range of practice in cleaning and sanitizing. Noted that some staff are not using the bleach and water sanitizer just soap and water or not using the soap and water / just bleach and water or using soap and water then bleach and water but not for the correct length of time (wiping up immediately thereafter). The latter staff immediately corrected this practice as soon as CCLO mentioned the matter. Did not observe anyone using the water rinse during this inspection. Assistant Director and I agreed it was time to review the two step method, including the correct contact time for bleach and water sanitizer (at least two minutes contact time before wiping up) and the need to clean then sanitize to help ensure health and safety. (Note - sanitizing solutions do not work unless the surface is first cleaned.)

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  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. Observed that to comply with the DOLSOP, more is required to foster play in the infant outdoor play yard. Infant lead staff spoke to the need for more outdoor play materials for the children. Strongly recommended loose parts including those that could foster gross motor play such as rocking horses to be used individually and rocker / stair unit that could be used cooperatively. Noted the rocking horse could be hardy plastic such as Little Tykes version and used anywhere in the yard. The cooperative rocker unit could be wood and used in the undercover area. Assistant Director stated she would look into this. CCLO sent links to sample ideas post inspection. In the downstairs toddler yard there were some large branches that the Assistant Director identified as part of a recent clean up & slated for removal. Assistant Director will follow up and ensure removal. Upstairs the Assistant Director stated she would be replacing one of storage areas for loose parts and sand toys. Upstairs in the toddler yard, please ensure to monitor the sand for adequate depth for satisfactory play.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. The facility is aging and areas of the indoor environment are showing wear and in need of attention: * Patch and paint over the tears and chips in dry wall. Licensing also observed that the bean bag chairs were in need of a fill.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  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. Licensing observed the following in the outdoor play area: * some of the black rubber tiles were no longer flush and had gaps - this could potentially be a tripping hazard. Also the infants are picking up small rocks that have fallen into the gaps and putting them in their mouths - this is a choking hazard * the grass is in need of a cut * green wire tied around the fence that has a sharp point * branch debris by the sand box

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Staff are trained in the implementation of the fire drill system and the emergency plan, including the use of any equipment noted in the fire drill system and emergency plan. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(a)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the fire extinguishers required a service.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Group Sizes and Employee to Children RatiosNon-critical

  Staff ratios and group sizes comply with Schedule E. [CCLR Sec. 34(2)(a)]

  Observation. During the inspection Licensing observed that one of the Toddler rooms did not have an Infant / Toddler Educator on site. Licensing also observed on the child care staff list provided to Licensing that another one of the Toddler programs does not always have an Infant/Toddler Educator on site.

• 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. Licensing observed in the Toddler 2 nap room that some of the children's beds had been pushed together so they were touching. The Educator stated that the children's like to help and push the beds together. Licensing also observed in the Toddler 3 nap room the boxes containing the children's bedding were stored so the bedding was touching one another.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Maintenance of Equipment: A log is kept of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the daily outdoor checklist is not done on a daily basis.

• 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. Two Educators on site do not have current criminal record checks.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  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. Licensing observed in the infant room, that the material on some of the circle foam blocks was torn. Licensing observed that some of the black rubber tiles in the upstairs toddler playgrounds had holes and the sand required replenishing.