Leslie Diamond Early Learning and Care Centre

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 toddler and infant yards. Toddler - Toddler yard continues to be well maintained. A review of the pedagogical documentation in the hallway provided examples of how children are exploring and enjoying the various elements of the play structure, the sand pit, the vegetation and other features. Manager discussed how staff are sweeping up sand to ensure adjacent poured in place rubber drainage is not compromised. Discussed replacement cycles for the sand. Manager stated they anticipate having to top up sand in the spring. Infant - New shed is working well. Storage system inside is efficient and staff/ child accessible. Revisited the agreed upon time frame for the replacement of rubber tile and sand box. This area was first cited as requiring replacement in December 2022. In November 2023, there was agreement among all parties, including Licensee representative, that the work was required and would be planned for fall 2024. Licensee reps confirm that quotes are being obtained for the work. In September & November 2024, funding and priorities were discussed. CCFL agreed to prioritizing repairs in the toddler yard with the condition that the infant yard required actions are met by spring of 2026. CCFL received a written commitment from YWCA re same. It was agreed that staff and facilities would mitigate hazards from lifting / separating tiles until replacement. Today, I noted the condition of the rubber tiles has deteriorated. Rubber tiles were installed in this area to support the infant's exploration and help prevent injuries. The tiles now feel like concrete underfoot. Manager said a timeframe for 2026 replacement has yet to be determined. I note that funds appear available for needed interior work. CCFL supports this proactive attention for the indoor environments. Time to now ensure that required exterior work receives the same and agreed upon attention. Reviewed which vegetation is thriving. The grape vines, kiwi, apple and pear trees mature and in reported good health. Manager confirmed the child cares continue to have a garden plot. The YWCA garden plots provide produce for Crabtree Corner programs.

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. Tiles in the toddler yard and the infant yard have required replacement since late 2022. Purpose of the meeting was to assess how much resilient ground cover was required in relation to aspects of the new toddler play structure, loose parts and proposed changes to the bike path. Measured and reviewed options with Licensee and Manager. Confirmed which areas will require resilient ground cover and which do not based on how space is used and adjacencies. Licensee and Manager confirmed they will extend the resilient ground cover up to the sand box then leave east and west side free for more natural pathways. Licensee is hoping the work on the toddler area will be completed on the toddler yard in the summer of 2024. The timing of the tile replacement on the infant side remains undetermined. It is contingent on sand box renovation being completed first then installation of poured in place. The intention is to redesign an infant sand box that offers depth and minimizes the transfer of sand onto the deck. Discussed options including installing a deck in the (fenced in) infant picnic area directly off the main activity room. Noted space is not used for gross motor play in a manner that would require resilient ground cover. The infant shed replacement and expansion project is on hold at the moment awaiting a start date.

• 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. Cleared play structure for use by children. There are two large loose part elements that the Manager and staff team will collaborate with the contractors regarding the placement of. The replacement of the rubber tiles will be happening in the near future. Contractors have been cognizant of this when designing and placing features. Manager Child Care Operations stated she hoped to have contractors design the infant sand box feature and provide a quote. Manager Child Care Operations will forward CCFL a copy of the design when ready.

• 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 rubber tiles on both the toddler and infant playgrounds have deteriorated further since my last inspection in December 2022. The tiles on the infant side have continued to separate and lift creating a tripping hazard for the infants. The YWCA has received two quotes to replace the rubber tiles in both the toddler and infant yards with poured in place from a reputable supplier. CCFL concurs that poured in place may be a lower maintenance option for a long term replacement for the tiles. The toddler climber has rotted throughout and is braced in key areas to ensure the interim safety of the toddler user. Climber is to be replaced with a solidly constructed feature that offers a wider range of play value and challenge. The infant program has difficulty with sand spreading creating a tripping/ falling hazard. The depth of current sand box offers little to no play value. Sand in the toddler yard is to be replenished as soon as possible, the landscaping membrane can be seen. The derelict planting around the outside of the childcare is being discussed. Program is looking for low maintenance, drought resistant, hardy plantings that can withstand the occasional atmospheric river. Consideration is being given to planting possibilities including wild flowers, native grasses.

• 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. While the facility is aging, there has been some recent renovations to the kitchen, washroom and flooring throughout the facility. Small routine maintenance issues were noted - the finish on the wood furnishings is starting to show wear. Time to plan for sanding down and refinishing the wood furnishings by the end of 2023. One of the cube seats in the east nap room (infant side) has some frayed carpet on the bottom, tempting for little fingers to pull. Staff could easily cut these off and secure. One light fixture was flickering in the infant cubby area. Staff contacted facilities who came up immediately and repaired the light during this inspection. The major issue is the leaking toilet in the shared washroom. Noted there is only one toilet that is currently functional for 24 children and at least one toilet is actively leaking. Water was visible on the floor. Facilities has pulled up the recently replaced new flooring in anticipation of the repair/ replacement. Manager of Operations sent an email post inspection providing additional information regarding the problem (two toilets are cracked) and the timeline for replacement - 4 weeks. See attached. Staff say the majority of children are being changed standing or on the change table. Only a few are consistently using a toilet currently. CCFL notes that three functioning toilets are required to support the capacity and water on the floor is a safety hazard. Suggested using portable potties for those individual who are practicing. Some means should be found to address the active leak and water pooling.

• 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 YWCA has been diligent in addressing any safety issues arising in the infant and toddler yards. The infant and toddler yards have undergone prioritized repairs and replacements. Both yards still have areas that are aging and worn; that will require attention within the next two years as wear creates tripping and other safety hazards. CCFL strongly recommends planning for capital replacement of aging tile (e.g. the toddler area where tiles are thinning and separating, creating tripping hazards), decking and fixtures such as the infant sand pit etc. Being proactive and preventing safety hazards is critical to managing risk to children in care. Leaves cover the grass area of the toddler yard. When wet these will be a slipping hazard.

• 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. While the facility is aging, the furniture, equipment and fixtures are well maintained overall. The Licensee plans on replacing the counter tops and cabinets in both the washroom and kitchen sometime in 2022. Licensee will forward plans to CCFL for review and approval prior to installation. Noted that one table and small wood cube chairs on the infant side are showing wear (the finish has worn off) but still in sturdy condition.