McGregor Child Care Centre (3 - 5 GDC)

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 condition of the flooring on the west side of the child care is in extremely poor condition and must be addressed. Manager explained that the cleaning contractor used the wrong solution and this damaged the floors - see photos of areas where finish is completely removed, pitted and peeling. However this does not count for other damage such as loose and raised seams, chips and missing chunks out of flooring. Manager shared that VCC and cleaning contractor are aware of the above and discussions are ongoing re who is responsible for repair/ replacement. In addition, cleanliness overall is not satisfactory. This was the first day back after a long weekend. CCFL would not expect to observe debris along the floor in kitchen or visible dirt along the walls of the washroom. Manager and staff reported that cleaning contractor is meant to pull out appliances and clean around and behind. This has not been done around and behind the washer and dryer in some time. Counters in kitchen and washroom have worn down from cleaning and sanitizing to the point where the finish is gone, can no longer be cleaned and sanitized appropriately. The northeast window sill is extensively chipped and must be repaired. Condition of physical environment overall was worst seen and must be addressed. Photos of examples are attached to file. Noted one of the children's sofa chairs has duct tape over the tear. This was noted during last year's inspection. Continue to monitor

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. Staff were concerned about the slime build up on the wood elements in the yard. Manager reported that pressure washing did occur. Checked and pressure washing appears to have been effective in removing worst of slime. Play structure was in satisfactory condition today. Noted the top up of fibar and sand. Sand pit is full to overflowing. Quality of sand is coarse and not conducive to molding with water. River washed fine sand should be sourced next time the pit requires a refill. Rather than top up, would strongly advise removing all sand and then replacing to ensure quality throughout. Observed slate tiles stacked in corner. Tiles used to be embedded in earth in planting area. Manager explained that when the earth was topped up, facilities staff placed tiles on top (rather than embedding them in soil) and children were tripping. Manager required the tiles be removed until such time as facilities could embed them. This has been done in infant / swing yard but has not yet been done in 3-5 and Toddler yards. The tiles sitting there are a safety hazard. A child may want to test their strength and lift one, or trip on them as they are stacked. The poured in place rubber surfacing throughout the playground is covered with sand and earth. (See photos attached.) Remarked to Manager that a big part of child play at this age is fill, carry and dump. Noted that manufacturers and installers caution against placing rubber surfacing next to sand and earth play areas as the sand / dirt gets into the pours of the rubber surfacing and prevents drainage. Manager said he asked about this during plan reviews and was told this would not be an issue. I reminded the issue had been raised by CCFL during planning (as well as issues re heat). Noted that PIP should be used sparingly under elevated equipment requiring resilient ground cover where other options such as fibar may not be feasible (e.g. podium builds that cannot carry the load of fibar or depth of sand required for resilient ground cover). Noted the information re sand and PIP is on Marathon web site and has been shared by Marathon Surfacing with CCFL and other applicants. ( Note - No point in dwelling on this as the PIP is there. Best thing to do is not to police the play but focus on sweeping the areas post play and involving the children in clean up as much as possible. In addition to all discussed,leaving sand out on PIP can be a slipping hazard even when dry. ) *Later staff in both the Under 3 and Over 3 rooms remarked that drainage has been an issue particularly on heavy rainy days.

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. Observed a pre existing gouge in the vinyl of the child sofa seat in pretend area. Manager stated he keeps replacing duct tape on the cut but children keep taking the tape off. The rest of the chair appears to be sturdy and in fair shape. Staff can monitor and replace as required. Observed the small table in the pretend area is showing wear, finish has worn to the point that patches of particle board can be seen. This makes it difficult to clean and sanitize properly. There are some small chips in the paint throughout the toddler spaces. Staff are monitoring. Cords are kept out of the reach of the children in all rooms. Noted the restrictors are still present and working on windows tested today. Discussed earthquake proof storage with Manager. Noted that some heavier items are stored on top of millwork cabinets on wall. If there is an earthquake, items may fall on children or staff. Discussed options for earthquake proof storage, including installing a lip, storing items in containers with a secure elastic bungy, etc. Noted that most people prefer use of installed lip as hooks may pull out of dry wall and create damage.

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. Observed there are areas of the yard that would benefit from additional top soil. For example, there is a hole in the corner of the south footpath and planting area, The mud play area is packed down and dirt deficient. A small group of 3-5s was using the infant swing space. Noted that the planting / footpath area there could also use additional top soil to even out footing. Climber and other elements are in satisfactory condition. Two issues to monitor - there is a rough patch on the south top bar above the entry to the log ladder (showed acting lead staff) and there is a bounce to each of the top railings alongside the wood round steps up to the platform (showed acting lead staff). Interesting that when you press on the same railings from the toddler side of the yard, there is little to no movement. Suggested staff and Manager monitor - if there is side to side movement then it will be time to shore up the railings. Discussed the timing of topping up of sand, likely to be needed by end of summer. Observed that discarded toys and debris have accumulated in the space between the play yard fence and the skylight panels again. See July 2024 - Routine Inspection Report. The outdoor area carpet outside the entry door to play yard - noted the edging on the west side is coming off. Manager reported that he has pulled out the shade tarps from storage and will have them up for the pending summer season.

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

Observation. Observed there was a range of practice across the staff team. Some staff were observed consistently using positive language (e.g. descriptions of what to do versus what not to do), taking time to listen to children prior to acting, explaining limits, etc. Some staff used primarily directive language, e.g., telling children where to go, what to do and how. Some staff used both. Some staff expressed a low tolerance for volumes typical of children gathering. Some staff made demands of children that appeared unreasonable, e.g., telling a child to "look at their face" - "what is on your face" - and to go back and wash their face before returning to circle. (CCLO could not discern what was on the child's face.) One child was in underwear for the first time. One staff explained that "if there are no pull ups, you have to sit on the toilet longer and teachers will have you sit on the toilet more often." This could have been a positive moment of connection, with phrasing that acknowledged the significance of the day and how staff would support them. Also noted differences in the use of physical touch. Some staff engaged in greater use of touch, especially during transitions, e.g., grasping of wrists, shoulders, hands and under the arm. Examples, "No, no, we are walking" - immediately grasped wrist and brought child back to carpet area and "You are going to go pee now" - placing hands around shoulder and under the arm with fingers. Touch observed was used without consent or notice as if to emphasize a point or more quickly move a child through transition versus to convey warmth or support. Guidance practices and use of physical touch were raised with the Acting team lead and Manager. Goal was to highlight the need to review guidance practices, in particular the use of physical touch. Acting team lead stated they had observed differences across the team & had discussed this during a professional development day. Acting team lead said they models guidance practices based on the principles of the Early Learning Framework. Some staff were open to change and some were not. Acting team lead said they had observed some staff use physical touch more than others, that they are not comfortable with excessive use of touch, but had not observed "aggressive force" and no child had complained as a result of an interactions. CCLO noted that the responsibility is not the child's, it is the adults to ensure practice is consistent with policy and regulatory requirements. Manager confirmed that guidance practices have been an ongoing discussion and work needs to be done. In discussion with Acting lead and Manager, CCFL requested that action be taken, including observation and follow up, to ensure consistency with current guidance policies. Strongly recommended that a physical touch policy be developed, including the role of physical touch - why, how, what and when, what is the role of physical touch in our programs, how do we respect consent, what is appropriate and not appropriate in this program and why, etc. This policy will act as a guide for staff moving forward and support the ongoing monitoring of team leads and Manager.

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 molding in the gross motor / nap room (southeast corner) has fallen off. This strip has been off and then replaced in the past. The bulletin board placed across from the table area along the west counter has a horizontal tear that runs the width of the board. There was an easel near the table area with the note - Needs to be fixed - on it. The easel was wobbly to touch. Manager noted the other easel was outside in the infant swing space and had a cracked tray. Manager stated they would follow up. Observed wear on the counter surrounding the children's hand sink . Finish is wearing off. To be monitored. Outdoors - A plastic climbing cube was cracked and heavily duct taped.

Heated water accessible to children is heated to no more than 49° Celsius. [CCLR Sec. 47]

Observation. In July 2023, the west faucet was found to be running cold. The temperature was reportedly moderated and issue corrected post inspection. However today the west faucet ran cold again. Same issue. The middle and east faucets ran comfortably warm. Children are less likely to engage is sufficient handwashing & rinsing if the water is cold.

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. Had discussion with the acting lead staff and Manager regarding the use of tarps to address need for shade and rain protection. The summer is now heating up. Noted how the heat was radiating from the poured in place rubber, even on a milder day at 11 am. Manager stated they were working with the staff team on this issue. The tarps have been purchased. Discussed possible options for positioning the tarps to address any staff concern's re supervision and sightlines. Manager stated they would follow up & report back to CCFL. Between the play yard fence and the skylight panels on the east side, there is a graveyard of (many) discarded toys and other debris. Under 3 Lead staff and Manager stated that VCC facilities have lost the key to the lock on the gate to this area. Children of this age are working on many schemas including experimenting with trajectory, cause and effect. It is common for children to toss or poke items through a fence. Staff must be able to retrieve the toys and the debris must be cleared out at regular and frequent intervals, i.e. once a month. Discussed with Acting Lead Staff in 3-5. Noted that children were digging in the mud pit area. Manager expressed commitment to keeping this area topped up with fresh earth.

There is an emergency plan that sets out procedures to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from any emergency. [CCLR Sec. 22(1)(b)]

Observation. Each room has a grab & go back pack and or field trip back pack with first aid kits. There are emergency supplies in two marked containers stored in the 3-5 outdoor shed. However, the containers are not accessible without having to remove many outdoor play items. Staff team members reported that there had been discussions re conducting an inventory of the contents but this has not yet taken place.

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 under 3 staff had communicated concern regarding the state of the caulking around the art and kitchen sinks. Staff lead and I reviewed the state of the caulking in the over 3 room. We noted the deterioration of the caulking around the art sink. The Staff Lead noted the blind cord was broken. They are wrapping the loose blind cords up around a hook out of the children's reach until there is a repair. Manager reported the blinds in the gross motor / nap room will be replaced in the near future. I confirmed that in the meantime wrapping the blind cord up out of reach of the children is acceptable. There is a deep gouge in the seat of the vinyl child sized armchair. Suggested to Staff Lead the opening be duct taped to prevent further damage and repair or replacement will be required. There is a chip in the veneer on the corner of the sign in and out desk (pressed board is exposed). Noted the rest of the veneer is glued down so not an immediate issue but should be repaired before it gets worse. Staff are monitoring the condition of the flooring around and in the corners by the toilets.

Heated water accessible to children is heated to no more than 49° Celsius. [CCLR Sec. 47]

Observation. Staff lead and I tested the water in the washroom. We left the taps to run to check the water temperature. The east and middle taps ran lukewarm as required. The west tap ran cold even after being left on for sometime. This will have a chilling effect on children's handwashing, i.e. they are less likely to practice effective handwashing as the water is too cold. This is the same tap that in 2021 had little to no water pressure. The water pressure is now fine but the water temperature must be rectified and prior to cold and flu season.

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 playground was renovated recently. During the last routine inspection November 2022, regular full time Lead staff noted the lack of vegetation. At that time we discussed options for enhancing and maintaining planting. Since that time some of the plants have died and some are suffering for need of attention. Children and staff are hand watering. Staff lead said none of the 3-5 staff are gardeners however the toddler staff have been helping out as they have an interest. For example, some of the plants that were not doing well due to sand drift were moved to a more protected area. Discussed support for enhancing plantings with Manager. Staff lead wondered whether the fibar needed topping up. Discussed fibar and how it compacts. Confirmed that the current level is more than satisfactory. However the fibar needs to be raked to ensure equal distribution, especially in high impact areas. Noted how the fibar drifts from high impact areas and gathers under platforms, etc. Staff lead said she would follow up re raking. Staff lead pointed out the metal plate on the concrete retaining wall closest to the 3-5 climber was lifting. She pointed out the metal plate to west of the plate had also lifted and concrete was used to fill. Paint is peeling off the southwest plate at the entry to the sand pit. It is the only metal piece in the yard that is peeling. Noted that the children had dug up the earth and plantings on the west side of the planting around the tree. Discussed working with this interest, adding more earth and loose parts such as pots and pans, large spoons, etc that could be hung from metal fence. Discussed this further with Manager post inspection. Manager had some ideas re how to enhance the mud / digging potential in the area and protect the tree. Manager stated they would follow up. Noted the yard that was hot even at this time of day (mid morning), much of the yard is exposed to the sun. During and post renovation there was discussion re the need for shade. Tarps and sails that could be attached to the climber, sand pit, fence and or undercover area were discussed (2021 and 2022). Follow through has yet to take place leaving children and staff exposed to the sun in much of the play yard. This is a health concern and does not meet DOLSOP requirements. Discussed with staff lead and Manager during and post inspection. Makeshift tarps and sheets can be used until something more permanent is installed. Manager stated they would follow up.

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. Noted the following: Gross motor / nap room * Molding is missing along south wall. * Chunks of paint and dry wall are missing in the northwest corner. Washroom * The finish on the toilet seats is worn and seats are wobbly (not secure). Activity room * Veneer is missing from cabinet door under the children's hand sink (lower right corner). Particle board is exposed. * Door on the microwave unit in pretend area is loose. Lead staff reported attempts to repair have been unsuccessful. CCFL inquired about when the flooring is to be attended to. Flooring requires cleaning and re-waxing. Manager reported that the flooring throughout the facility is scheduled to be stripped, cleaned and re-waxed during the Xmas break.

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 playground is newly renovated. Lead staff noted the lack of overall vegetation in the yard. We discussed options for enhancing & maintaining plantings. Discussed the importance of hand watering to ensure any vegetation survives the change in our climate (longer hotter drier spring and summers and drier fall and winters). Noted the grasses appear to have done well over time in child care yards including the toddler yard. Discussed and strongly recommend expanding on the vegetation to include more hard wearing grasses that offer fun through prospect and refuge. Noted that the tarps are not yet in use but have been purchased for the yard. Strongly recommend the tarps be used to expand of shelter from rainy season. Discussed the importance of routinely raking the fibar to ensure even distribution, especially under high impact areas. Noted that cracks in grey siding to the north of the play yard entry door have been addressed. One crack has been duct taped.

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. Noted the following: * The water pressure on the left hand (west) sink is very low. It would be difficult to wash off hand soap. * The children's hand sink in the main activity room, the cabinet door has water damage in the left hand bottom corner. * Molding is missing along the south wall and there are chipped and torn drywall along the east wall. Handles are missing on two of the cabinet doors.

Maintenance of Equipment: A log is kept of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

Observation. Staff teams and Manager will discuss a method for recording daily playground inspections.