Malkin Park ymca Outdoor Adventures

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• MEDICATION / MedicationNon-critical

  Medications that staff have agreed to administer are readily accessible to staff and are administered in the correct dosage at the correct times. [CCLR Sec. 53(1)]

  Observation. One child's asthma medication was expired. Another child requiring an epi-pen did not have the medication as indicated on the care plan, and staff could not locate the medication where indicated. Licensing was informed that there is a system in place for staff to place eyes on the Epi-pen that travels with the child to and from school, that is in the backpack. This check was not completed today, as the child was present, but the Epi-pen was not. Facility has a valid epi-pen inside a yellow backpack in the container, however, staff present were unaware until a phone call was made to the acting team lead.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  For each child requiring extra support, the licensee keeps a current care plan showing the required information. [CCLR Sec. 58(1)(2)]

  Observation. Three medical care plans are posted on the wall of the container. Information on the care plans are missing components to reflect accurate description of required information.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

  Observation. Licensing observed a fire drill log and an earthquake drill log posted inside the container. Licensing asked staff regarding the drills, and was informed that they complete one earthquake drill every month. These were recorded on the log. Staff inform that they have not implemented a fire drill for multiple months. LO explain, that fire drills must be implemented every single month, while the emergency drill can be conducted once a year at minimum. Staff were also reminded, that on the month they decide to implement the emergency drill, that a fire drill must also be conducted in the same month.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Employees have access to reliable communications equipment in an emergency. [CCLR Sec. 22(4)]

  Observation. There are four staff in the program, however only two walkie talkies are in working order. Two other walkie talkies are broken and replacements are on order.

• PROGRAM / Program of activitiesNon-critical

  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. Licensing observed minimum activities for the children in care. Upon arrival, the majority of the group played with blocks close to the container. A few children played under the undercover area. Three children sat down in the grass and had snack from their lunch kit. One child played by the tree in the grass. The manager informed licensing they had changed the program and now keep children nearby the container for the first half an hour of the program. Seven children were picked up from Kerrisdale main school by two staff. When they arrived at the Annex around 3:30, the group was divided into two groups. The groups took turns to go inside and wash hands. After hand washing all children were served snack while sitting on the cement steps of the undercover area. Licensing inquired what happened to the wood log rounds that were previously set up around the storage container. Children would gather there upon dismissal and have snack. Staff replied now that the program had grown in size they did not have enough logs and the logs are too heavy to set up. Licensing inquired about using the picnic tables. Staff replied they do not want to use the picnic tables as there are too many people and parents around. After snack children played on the playground. Licensing inquired about the grass field and was informed it had been too wet but now that the weather was getting warmer the program would be able to use it more. Licensing inquired about the use of the forest and was informed that the wooded area was used from time to time. Licensing inquired how often the program had used the indoor area due to weather conditions. The manager replied they did not use the indoor area very often, only on a few snow days. The manager informed licensing that it was challenging to run the outdoor program when it gets dark early in winter. The program added flood lights and used flashlights during this time. It appears that the program of activities has become very limited in scope over time, has taken on a very structured schedule and no longer meets the intent of a distinct outdoor program. Only limited outdoor areas were used at the time of inspection (cement area, playground, grass area by the container) and no opportunities were provided to engage in the natural world and develop a connection to nature. The original intent of the program was to be a distinct outdoor program that differs from any other school age program with regards to providing a comprehensive program of outdoor activities and using the different natural areas (Playground, Field, Big Tree Area, Upper Forest Area, Lower Forest Area). The program description provided by the YMCA upon licensing states as follows: "Children enrolled in the before and after school care program at the Malkin Park YMCA Outdoor Adventures will have opportunities engage in the natural world and develop a connection to nature. Children will spend a large portion of the program in the natural elements, whatever the weather, and throughout the year. The YMCA staff team, will program based on the children’s interest and developmental stages. Each day children will have the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities such as art (outdoor art projects), drama and imaginative play (loose parts, mud, forest), science (exploration, plant knowledge, and engineering), sports and group games." A copy of a sample schedule, a list of program supplies and a map of useable outdoor areas provided by the YMCA at the time of licensing are attached to this report for reference.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Employees have access to reliable communications equipment in an emergency. [CCLR Sec. 22(4)]

  Observation. The manager reported that one of the walkie talkies was broken and a replacement was on order.

• 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. Licencing observed the following: Bowls used for eating are washed but not sanitized. No dish rack for sanitizing was present. Cucumber for snack was prepared by the manager at home due to the absence of a cutting board and knife for snack preparation. The manager expressed they need tongs for snack service.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Behavioural GuidanceNon-critical

  Behavioural guidance is appropriate to the age and development of each child. [CCLR Sec.51(1)(a)]

  Observation. Licensing observed staff actively engage with the children in care participating in a tag type game on the playground to the delight of the children. Transition warnings were given ahead of time. Expectations were set out prior to going into the forest. Reminders were given of general rules. Licensing observed one inappropriate staff/child interaction. While the group was transitioning out of the forest, one child lagged behind. The child held onto a small tree trunk swaying it back and forth stating they were going to break the tree trunk. A staff put her hand around the child's arm above the child's wrist telling the child not to break the tree. The staff held onto the child's arm for 10-20 seconds. The child let go of the tree. The observation was discussed with the manager.

No violations recorded at this inspection.