Kids at Heather Child Care - 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. On July11 2025, Licensing observed the following: *the wooden climber showing signs of wear and tear. The manager informed that there's a plan in place to address this issue. Licensing will be notified when the work is scheduled to occur. *the wooden logs and stumps showing progressive signs of decay and deterioration. This could pose as a safety hazard. On September 19 2025 and during today's visit, Licensing observed the following: The program is in the process of renovating their existing playground. However during the visit, Licensing observed that the overall condition of wooden logs and stumps has worsened overtime. Some logs have cracks that pose a safety hazard. Despite the plan in place, the program must address these safety hazards to ensure the children's safety in the outdoor space.

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. On July 11 2025, Licensing observed the following: *Room 1 -cobwebs on the wall. This area needs cleaning. - this item has been addressed. -several step stools in the children's bathroom appear to be dirty and require cleaning. - this item has been addressed. -the round pillar in the small room appeared to be damaged with paint chipping off and scratches. - this item has been addressed *Room 2 -the bottom of the pony gate in the kitchen, appeared to be damaged. *Both classrooms -the high use area on dry walls appears to be worn and showing signs of wear. Touch up or repair is required. -the wooden ledge showing signs of wear and tear. On August 7 2025, The program manager informed Licensing that the plan was in place to address the remaining outstanding items. During today's visit, Licensing was unable to fully assess compliance based on today's observation. Follow up information is required. Licensing and the program manager will meet on Friday, September 26 2025 to discuss the outstanding items.

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. On July11 2025, Licensing observed the following: *the wooden climber showing signs of wear and tear. The manager informed that there's a plan in place to address this issue. Licensing will be notified when the work is scheduled to occur. *the wooden logs and stumps showing progressive signs of decay and deterioration. This could pose as a safety hazard. The program is in the process of renovating their existing playground. However during today's visit, Licensing observed that the overall condition of wooden logs and stumps has worsened overtime. Some logs have cracks that pose a safety hazard. Despite the plan in place, the program must address these safety hazards to ensure the children's safety in the outdoor space.

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: *Room 1 -cobwebs on the wall. This area needs cleaning. -several step stools in the children's bathroom appear to be dirty and require cleaning. -the round pillar in the small room appeared to be damaged with paint chipping off and scratches. *Room 2 -the bottom of the pony gate in the kitchen, appeared to be damaged. *Both classrooms -the high use area on dry walls appears to be worn and showing signs of wear. Touch up or repair is required. -the wooden ledge showing signs of wear and tear.

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. Licensing observed the following: *the wooden climber showing signs of wear and tear. The manager informed that there's a plan in place to address this issue. Licensing will be notified when the work is scheduled to occur. *the wooden logs and stumps showing progressive signs of decay and deterioration. This could pose as a safety hazard.

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. On June 11 2024, Licensing observed the following: In June of 2022, the CCLO for the facility stated that the playground required repair and maintenance. The Manager at that time stated the YMCA was going to apply for funding and then replace most if not all the features of the playground. YMCA now has funding in place and are prioritizing first the repair and renovation of the shared 3-5 Group Child Care yard, then the toddler yard and then lastly, the infant yard. Manager, Early Years has approached CCFL (prior to this inspection) regarding renovation process and plans. This consultation is ongoing. Upon inspection of all three yards today, the need for renovation was evident. Observed a number of exposed irrigation and sprinkler heads in areas that were once planters. Discussed elements of the yard that were present at time of licensing and how they may be replaced, for example some of the original vegetation did not survive but could now be replaced by climate change hardy plantings. Noted that the adjoining toddler and 3-5 play structure was built and assembled as one unit. We wondered how one half may be replaced without impacting the integrity & safe use of the other. Discussed possible options for the central earth patch. Manager, Early Years remarked the original grass has not been successful. CCFL noted that, due to climate change, grass lawns are something we are all reconsidering, prioritizing instead hardier plantings or diverse earthscapes. Manager, Early Years noted that children are digging in the earth and leave holes that are a tripping hazard. When they dig, they are redirected to the sand area. Manager, Early Years stated they wanted to cover the earth patch with artificial turf. Discussed some of the drawbacks experienced with artificial turf, including cleaning, maintenance, lack of traction when older/ wet, heat in summer and longevity. CCFL wondered how this need (to dig in earth) could be addressed within the renovation plans for the yard, noting that earth and sand offer different sensory and creative opportunities. Expressed support for the raising of the sand pit barriers to help mitigate sand drift. Manager, Early Years and CCFL remarked on the number of positive, natural features within the existing yard, e.g., appreciation for the mature trees and intentional adjacencies. Manager stated their commitment to ensuring these positive features are preserved. Manager, Early Years will share our conversation today with 3-5 staff. Manager will forward plans for CCFL to review as soon as they are available. Manager understands that any renovations must receive CCFL review and approval prior to work starting. During today's visit, the manager informed that a plan for renovation is still pending - This item remains outstanding.

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. Flooring throughout the facility was recently deep cleaned and waxed. This was evident throughout the facility. Manager, Early Years said most of the area rugs throughout will be replaced when a large order of supplies comes through. Observed that the Blinds in Group Child Care #1 were worn and torn on some edges, such that the blind had come away. Manager of the program stated they would put a work order in. Also noted the venting in the washroom of #1 was weak. The suction could not hold up a piece of 8 1/2 by 11 paper or tissue. We noted a stark difference in the # 2 washroom (suction was strong). Staff teams stated that the HVAC and venting systems are cleaned and serviced yearly. They will contact facilities to follow up on #1. Manager, Early Years stated the facility was re-painted a number of years ago. We all noted that in many of the high use areas, there were chips and damage to dry wall as well as tears / chips/ scratches in the paint. In other areas the dry wall and paint was worn, showing considerable wear. Discussed the need to plan for painting the full facility with 2-3 years. In the meantime, high use areas could be touched up to prevent further damage.

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. In June of 2022, the CCLO for the facility stated that the playground required repair and maintenance. The Manager at that time stated the YMCA was going to apply for funding and then replace most if not all the features of the playground. YMCA now has funding in place and are prioritizing first the repair and renovation of the shared 3-5 Group Child Care yard, then the toddler yard and then lastly, the infant yard. Manager, Early Years has approached CCFL (prior to this inspection) regarding renovation process and plans. This consultation is ongoing. Upon inspection of all three yards today, the need for renovation was evident. Observed a number of exposed irrigation and sprinkler heads in areas that were once planters. Discussed elements of the yard that were present at time of licensing and how they may be replaced, for example some of the original vegetation did not survive but could now be replaced by climate change hardy plantings. Noted that the adjoining toddler and 3-5 play structure was built and assembled as one unit. We wondered how one half may be replaced without impacting the integrity & safe use of the other. Discussed possible options for the central earth patch. Manager, Early Years remarked the original grass has not been successful. CCFL noted that, due to climate change, grass lawns are something we are all reconsidering, prioritizing instead hardier plantings or diverse earthscapes. Manager, Early Years noted that children are digging in the earth and leave holes that are a tripping hazard. When they dig, they are redirected to the sand area. Manager, Early Years stated they wanted to cover the earth patch with artificial turf. Discussed some of the drawbacks experienced with artificial turf, including cleaning, maintenance, lack of traction when older/ wet, heat in summer and longevity. CCFL wondered how this need (to dig in earth) could be addressed within the renovation plans for the yard, noting that earth and sand offer different sensory and creative opportunities. Expressed support for the raising of the sand pit barriers to help mitigate sand drift. Manager, Early Years and CCFL remarked on the number of positive, natural features within the existing yard, e.g., appreciation for the mature trees and intentional adjacencies. Manager stated their commitment to ensuring these positive features are preserved. Manager, Early Years will share our conversation today with 3-5 staff. Manager will forward plans for CCFL to review as soon as they are available. Manager understands that any renovations must receive CCFL review and approval prior to work starting.

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 that the material on the couch in room 1 was beginning to crack, therefore it is no longer easy to clean and sanitize.

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 that the privacy toilet in room 1 was broken and not able to be used, therefore only 2 toilets are available for the children. This is not meeting the requirements of the Child Care Licensing Regulation that states 1 toilet and 1 sink for every 10 children. The room has a licensed capacity of 25 children. Licensing observed that one of the toilet lids in room 2 was cracked and has white tape covering the crack. This issue was identified in the August 2021 inspection report and still has not been repaired.

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: * the wood climbing structure requires a clean, there appeared to be green algae and spider webs covering the structure * the plastic slide requires a clean * the rubber material on the stairs and top of the wood climbing structure was torn and pealing which could be a potential tripping hazard * a hole in the mud area. This could be a potential tripping hazard for the children. A discussion was also had in regards to how some of the wood in the playground were starting to rot and splinter and some areas had holes. The playground will require some repair and maintenance. The Manager stated they are going to be re - placing the playground in the future.

Employees are of good character, have the personality, ability and temperament necessary to work with children, have the training and experience and demonstrate the skills necessary to carry out the duties assigned. [CCLR Sec 19(2)]

Observation. During the inspection of the outdoor play area, Licensing observed the Educator outside sitting on a tree stump, they asked one child if they wanted to build a volcano like the day before, another child responded that they wanted to build a volcano, the Educator did not acknowledge this child. Licensing then observed the same Educator sitting on another tree stump with their back to the children that were playing in the climbing structure area of the playground, this Educator did not engage with the children outside. Also during the inspection inside, Licensing observed the same Educator in the small room sitting on the step not engaging with the children.

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. CCFL observed that the material on the arm of the brown couch was torn exposing the foam underneath. CCFL also observed that one of the lids on the toilets in room 2 was broken.

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. CCFL observed two deep holes in the mud area. These holes could be a potential tripping hazard for the children.