Library Square Children's Centre (3-5 GDC) - 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. Overall cleanliness and maintenance was of a satisfactory standard. Facility, furnishings and equipment appear to be in satisfactory condition. Discussion regarding current cubbies and boots. One bank of cubbies allows for boot storage underneath and one does not. Manager wondered about replacing the cubbies. I said one consideration is the quality of the current cubbies, and will never get another set of the same quality. Suggested other options of storing outdoor footwear. Noted the square light covers are full of debris and possible insects throughout the facility. Manager said she will submit a work order to have them cleaned.

• 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 • Adjacent outdoor play space is available as well as 5th floor rooftop play space. 3 -5 program uses 5th floor on Tuesday and Thursdays. • Manager said that sand and soil are topped up on a regular basis. They noted sand would be topped up prior to summer. Adjacent playground - Sand is of a fine river washed quality. Upstairs rooftop - noted sand is much coarser. • Discussed the white foam board affixed to lattice fencing above the sand pit. Discussed the history of this area. Foam board blocks light. Wondered if another type of cover could be considered, something clear or at least opaque, plexiglass, clear foam board? Would allow children a bit of a view as well as light. Manager said they would consider this possibility when it came time to replace the foam board. • Checked the condition of poured in place - inquired as to the schedule for capital replacement. Manager said they would monitor condition and inquire re future replacement. • Observed the long narrow outdoor area along the 3 to 5 program space was not set up for play today. Manager said they use this area mainly for trike play. It was raining this morning and it was not used. • Manager said the children are encouraged to set up the outdoor area, and the staff follow their lead. Observed the children had set up the table with cutting and paper. Manager said box construction is a current interest. Large fruit and groceries boxes were out in one undercover area. Manager said the children gravitate to the undercover play areas. Having a number of undercover areas to choose from helps with any potential conflict with those children who do not want to wear muddy buddies. • Manager showed me the guide for outdoor playground set up. It is laminated, kept in easy access for casuals and new staff. 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.

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

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

  Observation. Licensing observed the following: * kitchen cupboard containing bleach and dishwasher detergent was unlocked and accessible to children - an Educator locked the cupboard during the inspection * kitchen oven was on and accessible to children - the hot lunch was being held at a heated temperature; the Manager informed that currently they rely on teaching children not to enter the kitchen. A heavy wooden panel is available for the kitchen door opening and sometimes it is used as a barrier however, the Manager informed that this occurs infrequently * cupboard in the art area held a paper cutter - cupboard was not locked and was deemed accessible to older preschoolers; the paper cutter was relocated to a secured cupboard * an electrical cord was observed hanging loosely in the art area; the Manager secured it during the inspection. * a storage room door located adjacent to the nap / gross motor room was closed but unlocked - the room contains an electrical panel and hot water tank; an Educator located the appropriate key and locked the storage room door during the inspection * a back office was unlocked and accessible to children

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PROGRAM / Program of activitiesNon-critical

  The program of activities is modified to address the needs of children requiring extra support, and it is recorded in the child's care plan the manner in which the program of activities was modified to address the needs of the child. [CCLR Sec.44(2)]

  Observation. Licensing observed the following equipment available for the children outside: * 5 scooters * sand play available with some shovels and containers * table-top activities with drawing, castle books * water table When asking about the use of the slide, children informed that they were not allowed on it because it was wet from rain water.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• Licensing / DOLSOP /Active PlayNon-critical

  The Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - is implemented and met. [DOLSOP September 2017 and Section 4(1)(e)of the CCALA]

  Observation. Licensing Officer was informed that children are discouraged from using the outside play climber / slide on rainy days. As discussed during the inspection, the provision of physical / active play is important and the importance of allowing children to play on this equipment despite the weather. The following materials / equipment was observed available for children in the outside play space: scoop/rake/small shovel = 5 in total for sand play; some sand molds; some balls - somewhat deflated; many scooters available. There appeared to be a lack of toys for the sand play area. A table-top drawing / art activity was the primary focus of the children while being outside in that the majority of the children were engaged and seated at two tables.

• 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: * fridge temperature = 3'C - good! * caulking around toilets located in the children's washroom has worn / peeled away * bi-fold doors located in the main activity space are without a means to prevent opening / prevent a possible pinch injury

• 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 janitor's cupboard near the bathroom requires a lock on the bi-fold door to ensure no pinching. Send written confirmation that the door is secured by April 21/21 at Noon Send to christine.broatch@vch.ca The caulking around the base of the toilets will require replacement by June 30/21

• 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 and small room are 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.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  Care plans are not reviewed at least once a year with a parent of the child requiring extra support and any person requested by the parent. [CCLR Sec. 58(2)(b)]

  Observation. There are two Care Plans for children attending the program Both of these Care Plans have not been reviewed and dated for over 1 year.