Kiwassa Variety Club Daycare - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

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 boiler has broken and daycare is using child proof space heaters to ensure adequate warmth. HVAC retrofit has yet to take place. Executive Director has confirmed that funding has now been secured to complete both projects. CCFL will be advised re timelines when they are known. During the last routine inspection, the condition of the flooring in the daycare was highlighted, especially in the washroom. The Kiwassa Childcare Coordinator at that time said the washroom floor and activity room floor would be replaced at the same time - early to mid 2025. The deadline CCFL provided in last routine inspection report (dated October 29, 2024) was end of 2025. Noted today nothing has happened. Observed further wear and tear on the flooring. Flooring has not been replaced nor has it been deep cleaned and rewaxed in some time. Spoke with Manager post inspection and they indicated that it may be sometime before there is a budget for flooring replacement. In the meantime, facilities think they may be able to deep clean and rewax to extend the life of the flooring until such time as it can be replaced. CCFL is open to this arrangement and requests that the Manager keep CCFL updated. CCFL notes that any plan to replace the flooring should be after the HVAC retrofit. Noted that the white partitions between toilets are dirty and require repainting. Senior staff member concurred that this work was required and will follow up. Existing commercial dishwasher is broken and will be removed. Senior staff member reported that a domestic dishwasher has been purchased however the electrical outlet needs to be switched out prior to instalment. Senior staff stated there is no timeline for this but it is dependent on parts arriving. We discussed using sani cycles on the domestic dishwasher to ensure temperatures and hygiene. In the meantime, the staff are using the four step method of cleaning and sanitizing any dishes used. Discussed the storage of nap mats, bedding and interior gross motor equipment in the gross motor / nap room. Over the years, closed front millwork has been installed to support safety and active play. Noted today that barrier was set up to prevent child access to interior loose parts and the bedding / mats were exposed to play. Discussed future planning for closed front sliding doors or closed cabinetry. Senior staff stated they would discuss this with the staff team. Discussed post inspection with Manager. Manager said they would explore this further and update CCFL.

• 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. Elements within the yard are showing wear and slowly aging out. There is a plan to conduct a consultation and revisioning of the yard. In the meantime, bandaid repairs are being done to ensure safety. Today, observed with senior staff that floor boards in the play space under the play structure are rotting - to be assessed and replaced as required. Noted on the top platform that the top of the post south of ships ladder is black, chipped away and nails exposed. The post to the south of the slide entry is chipped with nails exposed. Both posts should be repaired/ capped to prevent injury. Fibar is sufficient for winter but should be topped up by spring 2026. The top wood rails around the U shaped retaining wall on the north side of the sand pit are showing rot and exposed nails, must be repaired, replaced. All of the above was reviewed with senior staff so that they may explain to Manager and any contractor. Routine maintenance has been discussed in prior inspections, including the need to be proactive in clearing gutters and drains as the leaves drop in the fall.

• 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 indoor environment is aging and showing wear overall. Staff team is proactive in identifying maintenance issues as they arise. Discussed current state of the interior with Manager and reviewed short and long term work required to meet licensing requirements. Manager informed CCFL that they were collecting quotes on the replacement of the sinks (rusting out), counters and fixtures in the children's washroom. Consideration will be given to ensuring child's ease of use and hygiene re the choice of fixtures. Manager stated the House had originally thought about replacing the flooring in the washroom and then piece meal the rest of the activity space. Manager stated it now makes more sense to refloor the entire activity area to ensure warranty and continuity. Current flooring is approximately 14/ 15 years old. Discussed options that other child cares are finding viable as an alternative to sheet marmoleum. Inquired about plans for extending the HVAC, i.e. air conditioning, into the child care. Manager stated this project has not yet moved forward. This past summer, to cope with the hottest days, they moved small groups of children around to spaces in the House that had air conditioning. CCFL supports the planned action to install A/C to moderate temperatures for children in care. Climate change and the resulting heat impacts the health and well being of young children. Young children's bodies are not yet able to regulate in the same ways as adults, leaving children vulnerable to heat stroke and or exhaustion. Moving children around within the House to cope with heat is not a sustainable practice. CCFL requests the Licensee / Manager provide CCFL with updates re progress on this action.

• 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. Elements within the outdoor play yard are showing wear and aging out. Other elements require more frequent maintenance due to age or design. Manager stated there are plans to remedy the slopes on the bike path and entry to the child care. The slopes are to facilitate wheeled supports including wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. Current state of the cement slopes is unacceptable, e.g., abrupt drop, crumbling edges. Transition zone between path / entry should be smooth and in good repair. Noted the shrubs facing onto Oxford Street are turning brown. Manager said they had noticed this and will follow up. Drains have been an ongoing issue in the child care yard. The plumbing design is flawed and nothing can be done about the infrastructure. However, more could be done to maximize the function of the existing drains and drainage system. Currently both drains are clogged with debris and water is pooling. The DOLSOP requires that the yard be free of pooling water. Drains in child care playgrounds require more maintenance than one or twice a year cleaning. Continuing to regularly rake the leaves up from the sand and the fibar will assist with keeping drainage as well as extending the life span of the fibar. Observed staff raking the leaves from the sand today. Regularly raking of the fibar should be a practice of the maintenance team and or staff, however staff's primary attention must be the children. Observed that the playground structure is aging and has up to 4/ 5 years before replacement will be required. This estimate will need to be reassessed on a year to year basis. The playground structure has considerable slime on all surfaces and requires a pressure wash and scrub before the heavy and extended rainy season. Gutters must be cleared at least 2-3 times a year. Manager stated that the maintenance person currently does this. Gutters will be due again after the leaves fall, start of winter.

• 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 indoor environment is aging and showing wear overall. Staff team is proactive in identifying maintenance issues as they arise. Acting manager informed me that a number of issues observed today, have been identified and are in process.

• 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 outdoor play yard and structure with Acting Manager. Some elements in the yard are showing wear. Acting manager informed me that a number of issues observed today, have been identified and are in process. Director discussed further about a grant received targeted for improving accessibility. This grant may assist in addressing some of the identified issues below.

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 indoor environment is aging and showing wear but overall well maintained. Manager confirmed that the carpets and flooring would be receiving a seasonal deep clean during the winter break. CCFL confirms this deep cleaning is much needed. Walls in the gross motor/ nap room are showing wear - hand marks and smudges from child height to ground. Due for a seasonal wipe down. Noted the attention to aesthetics in the washroom, however the base of the toilets show build up of urine and grime. Base of toilets must be deep cleaned and then regularly maintained.

• 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 outdoor play yard with the Manager. She reviewed areas of the yard that have received attention, i.e. regular maintenance. Manager called attention to the plexiglass plates and exposed sharp metal bar that blocks the children from reaching through the daycare fence to the handle of the gate to the housing complex. Required actions are noted below.

• 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. Issues to monitor - * Was informed that the cleaners sweep, mop and take out the garbage nightly. I wonder about the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cleaning schedules. Ensure the cleaning contract covers all required actions to maintain the facility. * Monitor the fraying edges on the large area carpets in the main activity room. * Prepare to repaint the facility within the next two years (2022/ early 2023) at the latest.

• 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 yard with a staff team member. Staff pointed out the recent work in the yard in replacing rotting wood elements.