Monkey Tree Montessori Preschool

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. Reviewed emergency consent cards from back pack as well as children's files. The majority of children have up to date and complete documentation on file. Some newly enrolled children require photos. Discussed options for obtaining, storing and accessing photos, including via a phone or Ipad. Licensee/ Manager stated that she would find consider the options. Licensee/ Manager said that she has an extra Ipad and may collect and store up to date photos for all children on this device for ease.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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 outdoor environment meets minimum requirements. The majority of outdoor play time takes place in local parks. The children often go on neighbourhood walks. Noted that parts of the wood panels are rotting and disrepair. Of most concern are loose boards that need to be nailed back in and a gap in the fence on the south side (board has cracked and left an opening that is rough to touch). Manager / Licensee stated the plan was to replace the fence in the summer. In the meantime, Manager/ Licensee committed to repairs noted below to ensure safety in the meantime.

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. All work has been completed except for the following: 1) Front of cabinets in the washroom and kitchenette. Licensee discovered that each cabinet is custom. Licensee requires more time to acquire quotes and have the doors made / installed. 2) Landlord is looking at quotes and installation dates for an air conditioner to assist with heat in spring and summer. 3) Contractor highly recommended cleaning the vents to assist with heat delivery. Landlord is looking into this. Most effective strategy would be for both interconnecting storefronts (preschool and pizza place next door) to have their shared vents done. Licensee could not recall when this maintenance work was last done. Not during the past 2-3 years.

• 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 preschool has been licensed since August 2010. The cabinets and counter tops in the kitchenette and art sink area as well as the washrooms are original and in deteriorating condition. Despite Manager/ Licensee and staff team's daily cleaning, the cabinets and counter tops have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer be cleaned and sanitized to meet licensing requirements. The kitchenette / art sink cabinets are peeling above and chipped below, veneer is coming away, particle board is showing signs of water damage (one section is taped on), counter finish is worn. Under the washroom counter there is a large plank of unfinished/ unpainted plywood next to the toilet. Every time the toilet flushes droplets go into the air and land on surfaces. It is impossible to adequately clean plywood. Washroom counter top is worn. Discussed the condition of the kitchenette / art counter and cabinets as well as the washroom with the Manager/ Licensee. Manager / Licensee stated they had already reached out to the new landlord regarding some of these issues. There has been no action to date. Manager/ Licensee stated they would follow up and share CCFL's inspection report with landlord. Manager / Licensee also stated the HVAC system is no longer adequate. HVAC system is old, the space is difficult to heat adequately in the winter and hot in the spring and summer. Due to climate change, it is anticipated this issue will worsen over time. Discussed options including installing air conditioning or a heat pump (which heats in the winter and cools in the summer). Observed middle north bank of fluorescent lights is missing a cover. Manager/ Licensee stated the cover broke. Please note the different timelines for action items below.

• 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. Reviewed fire and emergency drill record with Manager/ Licensee. Last drills recorded were in 2022. Manager / Licensee acknowledged she had not kept up with conducting and / or recording drills. We discussed returning to a practice of conducting and recording monthly fire drills with all classes am and pm and then the emergency plan at least once a year. Agreed that prior practice of monthly earthquake drills was best practice compared with required once a year. Also discussed practicing lock down and power outage procedures. We discussed both lock down and power outages and site specific considerations in developing procedures.

• 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. Reviewed the record of emergency drills. The last drill recorded was in September 2021. Manager/ Licensee stated she sometimes forgets to write down and or conduct monthly drills. She committed to improving on this practice.

• 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 clean up and maintenance from last summer has been maintained. Noted the sand box was covered and the level of sand is low. Discussed the matter with the manager and she committed to refilling the sand to at least 12 inches.