Library Square Children's Centre (0-3 GDC)

• 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 3 to 5 program and the I/T program share the upstairs (5th floor space). The 3-5 use the upstairs space Tuesdays and Thursdays. The I/T program uses the upstairs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 5th floor roof top shared space - stump seating around the table, there is an exposed sliver on one stump. Inquired re pressure washing. Manager of 3 to 5 program stated the space is pressure washed to remove slippery slime build up about 3 times a year. Noted that it would be due for the spring clean up soon. Manager agreed. Inquired about the intention of what appears to be an aging chalk board. The painted surface has dried and cracked. Manager of 3 to 5 said it was a chalk board. Noted if the intention was to have the unit continue as a "black board" for chalk then a refresh was required. Observed the sand upstairs appeared to be coarse compared to the sand in the Under 3 and 3 to 5 adjacent yards. Suggested that next top up, sand could be of similar quality to downstairs. Rooftop playground today was not set up for play. Manager of 3-5 said the children help to set up the areas. I said while I appreciated this approach the children need to have something to work from. The space upstairs offers a unique opportunity with several clearly defined "rooms" for play that could each have their own personality by way of aesthetic (human, more than human & natural worlds) and materials and experiences to choose from. Managers from Under 3 and 3-5 agreed with this perspective and said it was worth exploring. Adjacent outdoor play space - The Infant / toddler program has its own outdoor play space adjacent to interior. Space is relatively small. • Manager stated that the sand pit and soil have been recently topped up. Sand is of a fine river washed quality. Noted good for hand molding. Commented on the real utensils offered to the children in the sand. Manager said the children seem to like the real utensils and props. • Manager remarked that the play hut is another popular spot. Observed hand bell toddler toy hung on elastic long hair accessories with ribbons. The children pulled on them and the bells sprang back making a satisfying noise. (Not a choking or hanging hazard.) • Observed that debris had accumulated on the corrugated roof of the play hut. Inquired as to when pressure washing or outdoor cleaning happened. Manager said at least 2-3 times a year the roof is cleaned. Manager anticipates that the roof will be cleaned by facilities before the summer. • Other loose parts offered today included foam blocks, balls and transportation toys as well as some pretend play items. • Noted the artificial grass surrounding the play hut is sandy and flat to bare from years of use. Manager said they try to sweep the area because sand can be a tripping hazard but it is difficult. I shared with Manager that it is impossible to sweep fake grass. The sand gets into the pores of the grass. Inquired as to whether there were any plans to replace the flooring in this area, Manager said she did not know. This is an issue to revisit with the Licensee (what type of surface is appropriate here) and the outcome should be part of (near) future capital replacement plans. In addition to use of the adjacent and rooftop playground the Under 3 program goes on neighborhood walks with the children to local parks and community settings, e.g. Roundhouse Community Centre, sea wall.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. At the beginning of the inspection, three children and one Infant Toddler Educator were present. As time went on, more children arrived along with two more Educators plus Educators who are hired on a casual basis. A representative of the Licensee was also present and working in the office. Twelve children were observed in care. During a transition from inside play to play up on the 5th floor outside play space, Licensing observed 10 children with two Educators heading towards the elevator. A third Educator was still inside helping to transition two other children. This Educator informed the other two Educators that they could proceed to the elevator. LO communicated to the two Educators to wait until the third Educator joined them so as to be in correct staff to child ratio. LO communicated the importance of maintaining ratio to the third Educator as well. Licensing observed the third Educator and two children join the others at which time, everyone proceeded to the elevator. (corrected during inspection) During today's inspection and specifically when children were being transitioned from inside play to play outside on the 5th floor, the attendance record did not accurately reflect the children present and in care. The importance of having an accurate record and especially prior to transitioning children to outside play was discussed with a representative of the Licensee during the 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. Licensing observed the following: * vinyl covered foam tumbling shapes, tumbling mat and diaper change mat are showing some wear at corners - please monitor and replace / repair when their surfaces are penetrable and not easily cleaned / disinfected * walls where paint chipping is present - ie nap room, main activity room near where the eating tables are located; planning is needed specific to the timing of when painting can occur * cabinet, which appears to be placed upside-down and located in the main activity room where Educators place their communication book, logbooks, etc is showing signs of deterioration at the bottom, likely due to water damage when washing the floors - replacement /repair appears to be needed A discussion occurred with a representative of the Licensee about the possibility of a child being injured due to the open hinge area on the gate leading to the bathroom. Licensing observed children having direct access to the bathroom, for toileting and hand washing purposes. Licensing supports the fostering of independence for older toddlers. The gate however is not anchored in an open position and therefore the risk of a child being injured due to the open hinge is present.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed the start of berries being present in bushes located above the outside play space. They were brought to the attention of a representative of the Licensee because of previous concerns about the children possibly eating them. Licensing did not observe any in the outside play space. Licensing observed the following: * a fabric scarf in the nap room was found with a tied knot at the bottom and was hanging on a hook on the wall - a risk of injury to children; LO-IT LA inquired of its purpose and was informed that it was used for play and to minimize light during naptime: during the inspection, an Educator untied the knot acknowledging the potential risk to children (corrected during inspection) * staff washroom was unlocked during the inspection: a toilet brush and rodent trap were accessible on the floor: an Educator informed LO-IT LA that the door is meant to remain locked and inaccessible to children at all times. The door was then locked during the inspection. (corrected during inspection) * in the outdoor play space, a looped wire was observed attached to the fence, accessible to children and could pose a risk of harm: an Educator untwisted the wire and repositioned it; Licensing was informed that it will be fully removed by the maintenance team * in the outdoor play space, a looped bracket was observed attached to the fence, accessible to children and could pose a risk of harm; an Educator informed that it will be fully removed by the maintenance team who have the appropriate tools available * a washing machine in the children's bathroom was observed with its accessible door open while children were in attendance; a posted sign on the front-loading machine instructs to keep the door open only on weekends. After a discussion had occurred between LO-IT LA and an Educator, the machine door was closed. The Educator commented that installing a child-safe latch will be suggested to reduce the risk of child access

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  The licensee keeps a current record for each child showing the information required. [CCLR Sec. 57]

  Observation. A diagnosis is not reflected in a child's record.

• 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 diaper change sink and area was in need of cleaning. After speaking with the Manager about it, Licensing was informed that it would be addressed. Licensing spoke to the Manager about the purpose of the planter cage that was affixed to the perimeter barrier - asked if it was intended as a make-shift basketball hoop and learned from the Manager that it was. Licensing pointed out a sharp point to which the Manager informed that it would be removed.

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. Licensing Officer observed the following: * bi-fold doors located in the cubby room without a mechanism to prevent a pinching hazard * art cupboard door - adjustment to door identified * gap identified between the art sink counter and window: possible entrapment hazard (7.5 inch gap measured) * pest trap box located in the opening / gap between the art sink counter and window - accessible to children

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. Today's inspection revealed long blind chains attached to the blinds in the nap room with cots not adequately secured to prevent head entrapment. As discussed with the Manager these chains must be immediately secured and a alternate securing mechanism must be installed.

• 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 nap room walls have areas where the paint is chipped.