Little Smiles Childcare Centre

There is a diaper changing area that is adjacent to a wash basin, that is located away from the food preparation area, and that has a covered container for soiled clothing. [CCLR Sec. 14(4)]

Observation. In the children's washroom, Licensing Officer observed no covered container for soiled clothing.

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: -In the main entrance, the closet door is unsecured and appears to be in poor repair. One of the door handles is missing making it difficult to open and close safely. -The facility walls appear to be in poor repair and no longer easy to clean. The paint appears to be chipped exposing the drywall in some areas and in the classroom next to the washroom the lower half of the walls have been drawn on with markers.

Furniture or equipment for sleeping is used by only one child at a time, is clean and comfortable, and is appropriate for the size, age and development of the children intended to use it. [CCLR Sec. 15(2)]

Observation. Licensing Officer observed the children's bedding is stored in individual bags and kept in one large bin. While the children's bedding is kept in a bag the bags are open and touching one another which poses a risk of cross contamination.

Ground Surfacing: Protective surfacing is provided to reduce the risk of injury from falls. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

Observation. In the outdoor play space, Licensing Officer observed the middle grass area has depleted over time leaving a hard and compact muddy space for play which poses a risk of harm if a child were to slip and fall. Staff stated that there is a plan to cover the area with synthetic grass.

Children are provided with a comprehensive and coordinated program of indoor and outdoor activities that is designed for the development and care of the children, and is appropriate for the age and development of the children. [CCLR Sec. 44(1)(a)(b)(c) and Schedule(G)]

Observation. In the outdoor play space, the play materials and toys appear to be inadequate for the number of children in care. Discussion took place with regards to providing a comprehensive program of activities for the outdoor play space to support the children's development. In addition, the sand box has no sand toys and the sand appears to have depleted over time and needs to be replenished.

A record for each child containing the date of enrolment in the facility is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(b)]; A record for each child containing the name, sex, date of birth, medical insurance plan number and immunization status is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(a)]

Observation. Licensing Officer observed the following: -date of enrolment is not kept for 2 children -immunization status is not kept for 1 child

Evidence of compliance with the Province's immunization and tuberculosis control programs has not been obtained. [CCLR Sec.19(1)(f)]; Character references have not been obtained. [CCLR Sec.19(1)(b)]; Records of staff's work histories have not been obtained. [CCLR Sec. 19(1)(c)]; Criminal record checks have not been obtained. [CCLR Sec. 19(1)(a)]

Observation. Licensing Officer observed incomplete staff files. The following was observed: -immunization status has not been obtained for 6 staff -character references have not been obtained for 7 staff -records of staff's work histories have not been obtained for 5 staff -criminal records checks have not been obtained for 2 staff

Employees employed as early childhood educators or assistants hold the appropriate certificates issued under Division 2, which must be verified by the licensee using a system established and maintained by the director of the early childhood educator registry [Employee Qualifications].  [CCLR Sec. 19(4)(a)]

Observation. Licensing Officer observed no evidence that ECE certificates for all staff have been verified by the registry.