Kitsilano Area Childcare Centre

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. The following was observed in the outdoor pay space: 1) The large climber is closed off with caution tape as the support posts are no longer structurally sound. The manager informed licensing that the climber is beyond its life span and they have been unable to find a construction company who wants to take on the extensive repairs. The climber will be removed once the facility can secure a demolition crew. 2) Rotten and splintered deck boards in the following areas: larger front deck, deck located by the housekeeping gazebo, entry to the garden gazebo on the West side of the property. 3) Frayed rope on the rope climber that posed a risk of breaking. 4) Protruding nails in the jungle area under the Kiwi tree. 5) Dirty coregulated roof on the "grocery store" play hut. 6) One 4 x 4 support on the climber with the rings and climbing wall is starting to rot.

• 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. The vertical planks have been secured. The climber bridge has been removed, leaving the climber side with climber wall to be used by children in care. The climber end where the bridge was removed has been secured with a 38" high railing. Braces were put connecting the climber posts on the underside for extra support. A structural engineered assessed the East side climber and has condemned it. The engineer will connect with the contractor. Drawings will be provided as to how to repair it to safety standards. The climber is surrounded by red, caution tape and off limits to children.

• 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. On April 16, 2024, Licensing observed the following: 1) Vertical wood planks opposite the climber wall are loose at ground level and require to be secured. 2) The wood bridge connecting the two climber areas had been closed off with caution tape. The manager informed licensing that a structural engineer has assessed the bridge and the pillars underneath. One post in the middle of the bridge is not providing sufficient support, a gap was visible between the two bridge decks on the side of the bridge. The bridge is not at risk of collapse, however it has been closed off to not add any additional load. The bridge area requires to be repaired. On June 17, 2024 the manager informed licensing that the plan is to remove the bridge and pillars altogether and have two separate climbers closed off at each end. The ends will be closed off with vertical railings identical to the current vertical railings. If intact and in good shape, bridge railings will be re used. Railings will be 38" high from foothold with spacing between railings 2 1/2 ". If any metal hangers/straps will be used to secure the structure any exposed metal should be free of sharp edges and any bolts should be capped. The bridge removal is scheduled for June 21, 2024. 3) The deck on the East side of the climber has sunk down on one corner. The pillar supporting this corner is rotten and requires repair or replacement. On June 17, 2024 a discussion was held with the manager to have a structural engineer assess the climber's structural integrity. It was agreed to refrain from using the climber until an assessment has been made and written confirmation has been obtained that it is safe to use and what repairs are required.

• 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. On April 16, 2024, Licensing observed a sliding window in the quiet room with a broken restrictor. A foam chair was placed beside the window. The window was halfway open and had a concrete pathway underneath with a fall height that posed a risk of injury. No children were present in the quiet room during the 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. On April 16, 2024, Licensing observed the following: 1) Vertical wood planks opposite the climber wall are loose at ground level and require to be secured. 2) The wood bridge connecting the two climber areas had been closed off with caution tape. The manager informed licensing that a structural engineer has assessed the bridge and the pillars underneath. One post in the middle of the bridge is not providing sufficient support, a gap was visible between the two bridge decks on the side of the bridge. The bridge is not at risk of collapse, however it has been closed off to not add any additional load. The bridge area requires to be repaired. The manager informed licensing that the plan is to remove the bridge and pillars altogether and have two separate climbers closed off at each end. A discussion was held with the manager that detailed plans must be provided to licencing for review and approval prior to making any structural changes to the climber. 3) The deck on the East side of the climber has sunk down on one corner. The pillar supporting this corner is rotten and requires repair or replacement. The manager informed licensing that the structural engineer had informed them that this area is not at risk of collapse at the moment as the core of the pillar is still intact. The plan is to reinforce or replace this pillar.

• 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 a sliding window in the quiet room with a broken restrictor. A foam chair was placed beside the window. The window was halfway open and had a concrete pathway underneath with a fall height that posed a risk of injury. No children were present in the quiet room during the 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. Licensing observed the following: 1) The Gazebo on the West side of the playground was overgrown with moss and algae. 2) Vertical wood planks opposite the climber wall are loose at ground level and require to be secured. 3) The wood bridge connecting the two climber areas had been closed off with caution tape. The manager informed licensing that a structural engineer has assessed the bridge and the pillars underneath. One post in the middle of the bridge is not providing sufficient support, a gap was visible between the two bridge decks on the side of the bridge. The bridge is not at risk of collapse, however it has been closed off to not add any additional load. The bridge area requires to be repaired. The manager informed licensing that the plan is to remove the bridge and pillars altogether and have two separate climbers closed off at each end. A discussion was held with the manager that detailed plans must be provided to licencing for review and approval prior to making any structural changes to the climber. 4) The deck on the East side of the climber has sunk down on one corner. The pillar supporting this corner is rotten and requires repair or replacement. The manager informed licensing that the structural engineer had informed them that this area is not at risk of collapse at the moment as the core of the pillar is still intact. The plan is to reinforce or replace this pillar.

• 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 that the material of the brown leather couch was cracked. A discussion was had with one of the Educators in regards to a washable slip cover. Licensing stated that this would be acceptable.

• 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: * the rubber cover at the bottom of the fire pole is beginning to break apart * the climbing ropes on the climbing structure are beginning to fray * some of the wood on the play structures are beginning to deteriorate and break off when touched

• 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 extinguisher required a service as of April 25th, 2023

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that fire drills are not being conducted or recorded monthly and emergency drills are not being conducted or recorded yearly.

• MEDICATION / MedicationNon-critical

  Medications that staff have agreed to administer are readily accessible to staff and are administered in the correct dosage at the correct times. [CCLR Sec. 53(1)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that one child's epi pen expired January 2022 and another child's epi pen was expiring at the end of May.

• 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. Licencing observed that some of the material on the vinyl furniture in the quiet room was torn and scratched exposing the foam underneath. Licensing also observed that some of the wood in the playground was beginning to rot and the black rubber mat in front of the slide was cracked in some arears. This could be a potential tripping hazard.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Ground Surfacing: The depth of loose fill material (protective surfacing) meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the Standard of Practice. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the wood chips in the playground appeared to no longer meet the minimum requirements as per the Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space. The Manager informed Licensing that the wood chips are going to be replenished in the Summer.