Montessori And More Learning Centre

• 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 the child care is in satisfactory condition. There are some needed repairs that the Manager and the Licensee is aware of that were discussed today. Manager stated that a cleaner comes in nightly however we observed one area of the childcare that requires a deep clean. There were mops and brooms that had not been put away in the corner entry to the north washroom. Manager said that typically these are stored in the small janitor closet and on the rack behind the door. However the floor and walls require a deep clean to bring it up to optimal standard. There was debris along the wall / door to hall and in corners of the floor. Manager confirmed that the steps up to the loft require attention, one step has lifted, creating a bounce to the step. Also noted that the gross motor / nap room paint is dingy and worn. Manager stated now that Compass has been licensed, they can turn their attention to upkeep in Montessori and More.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Furniture, Equipment and FixturesNon-critical

  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. Children use cots for sleeping. Families provide blankets. Currently blankets are sent home once a week for washing. Manager is aware of the need to store blankets / bedding separately. I was present to observe children waking up. Noted sheets were not used over the cots. Children were sleeping directly on cots with blankets in both Montessori and More and Compass. Observed wet spots that the staff was cleaning on the floor where a child's accident had gone through to carpet. Staff stated they had wiped this particular cot but in general cots are stacked on top of each other without daily cleaning or sanitizing. I inquired about this with Manager. Manager remarked that the sheets offered in catalogs do not remain on the cots and or the elastic is difficult to place over the edges of the cots. Manager said they wiped down and sanitized the cots once a week. Manager wondered if a sheet was necessary and if so, could a flat sheet be used. Flat sheets move around and do not provide desired coverage. Discussed how the sheet provides a barrier between the child and the cot surface, often eliminating the need to clean and sanitize the cot daily (unless there is an accident, e.g. urine). It can help eliminate the need to clean the floor beneath the cot during an accident. Sheets are more comfortable than the cot surface (no matter the quality) and supports health and hygiene. Daily cleaning and sanitizing of all cot surfaces is extremely time consuming. I acknowledged that sheets in catalogs with elastic can be poor quality and difficult for a child to place on the cot. Shared that most programs use traditional fitted crib sheets. Some provide them and some request families provide them. Manager said she understood and would shift to using sheets asap. Manager said she would consider asking families to bring in fitted sheets or may provide the sheets and wash them than expecting families to bring them back clean once a week. I noted that most day care programs were washing the sheets and blankets & had extras in case of accidents. In addition, the cots in Montessori and More are not of the same quality as Compass. Observed that some cots are torn and edges frayed. Manager estimated that at least 6 required replacement. CCFL concurs. Observed the Manager open two of the windows post nap to let fresh air into the room. Encourage this practice to help ensure health and hygiene.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Heated WaterNon-critical

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

  Observation. Checked the water in all child accessible sinks. The water temperature and pressure in the north washroom was satisfactory. The water temperature and pressure on both taps in the south washroom is intermittent and one was colder than the other. Manager stated they would follow up.

• 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. Outdoor space continues to offer a range of activity areas and opportunities for active, imaginative and sensory play. Opportunities to explore water, earth and sand are plentiful. Loose parts are provided including tree branches to climb, planks and stumps to create and construct with. There is also a disc swing that staff and Manager closely supervise with rules of engagement. Staff and manager are monitoring areas for wear including the play house. Manager discussed issues with drainage that are currently addressed via a makeshift pump on the middle of the path to the front door of the daycare. There is a picnic table placed on top helping to mitigate any risk. The pump is required to prevent flooding in the daycare. Manager said the source issue has been investigated and found to be an error in the pipe connection that will require cooperation with the city. The work itself will cost tens of thousands. Manager and Licensee are working with the pump interim fix until they have the funds to address the issue at source. Discussed that as long as safety mitigations are in place, the interim fix is acceptable. Manager confirmed that they do intend to complete the source work as soon as funds are available. Noted that the earth mound is wearing down such that the top rock step is starting to move under foot. This is usually a sign that it is time to shore up the earth base. Licensee/ manager do this routinely at least once a year. Also noted the sand will require replenishing by spring and that one of the wood platforms on a post near the northeast fence is falling off. Manager said she would discuss this with their partner and have all addressed.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES / NutritionNon-critical

  Instructions in a child's record or care plan respecting food and drink for the child are followed. [CCLR Sec.48(2)]

  Observation. There were three care plans, Licensee created template, on the upper cabinets above the activity counter and sink. All three involved food related allergies. Two indicated that epipens were the required follow up action and one (for a child with fish/ shellfish identified) had no follow up action at all. Staff lead and I checked the cabinet for epipens. One child had an up to date epipen on site. One child had two epipens (one in cabinet and one in back pack) that had expired in February 2025. Staff lead said she would speak with the family at pick up and obtain a new epipen immediately. Post inspection - Licensee/ Manager confirmed that today they have an epipen on site for this child and a second one will be obtained by the family for the child's backpack. Licensee / Manager will confirm once this medication and updated care plan is in place. The third child with fish / shellfish allergies - Staff lead and I checked the child's file and there was no follow up indicated other than calling the parent & wiping the area gently if there were hives. I informed the staff this was not adequate. It placed the child and staff in a very vulnerable position. Requested a doctor's note confirming the status of the child's allergy and medically prescribed follow up. Discussed this matter post inspection with Licensee/ Manager. Licensee Manager will confirm once a doctor's note has been received. If the child has allergies, an updated care plan and any prescribed medication must be on site.

• 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 the facility and furnishings are well maintained but aging in place. Some elements are showing wear that requirement replacement to facilitate adequate cleaning and sanitizing. For example, showed staff how the finish has come off on the countertop exposing the particle board underneath. Other elements can continue to be monitored for wear (some of the table tops especially the white veneer over particle board) and replaced or repaired as needed. Noted that the checkerboard (green, grey and blue/ teal) mats are showing wear, vinyl starting to peel. These mats should be monitored and replaced if peeling worsens and mats cannot be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Staff and I observed the broken veneer siding on the black bench, exposing compressed cardboard. Staff stated that Licensee representative was aware and intended to repair this damage asap.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Heated WaterNon-critical

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

  Observation. The water temperature in the north washroom was comfortably tepid and appropriate for effective hand washing. The water temperature in the south washroom was cold, such that it could discourage thorough hand washing, i.e. leaving hands in running water long enough to remove soap and germs. This was raised and corrected last year - June 7, 2024 routine inspection. The problem is repeating itself and requires action. Discussed with Licensee/ Manager over the phone. Licensee/ Manager theorized this problem could be arising again due to renos related to the new daycare.

• 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. It was pouring rain during this inspection. Provided me with an opportunity to see the outdoor elements in the rain. At this time, the dirt mound with imbedded slide and stone steps is secure. Playhouse is aging but without hazards currently. All other wood elements are aging but currently without hazards. Depth of sand to be monitored. Staff team monitors the yard via daily inspections and informs the Licensee / manager of any issues requiring attention. Noted that the fibar under the disc swing is lacking. Brought this to the staff's attention. Shared with staff team lead, I would include this action item on the report.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Furniture, Equipment and FixturesNon-critical

  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. Bedding is stored separately in cubbies. The children are responsible for placing the sheets and blankets on their mats or cots. Reviewed the condition of the mats. Licensee/ Manager stated that they purchased the mats approximately one year ago and they are cracking badly with gaping holes exposing the foam. This makes it impossible to clean and sanitize properly. It is unhygienic. Licensee / Manager noted that she was disappointed in the quality of the product and would be looking to replace the mats with a better quality product. Licensee / Manager noted how expensive mats and cots are to replace. It was agreed that 14 mats should be replaced now with the rest to be assessed again within the year.

• 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. Program space offers a range of activity areas and opportunities for active, imaginative and sensory play. Notes some new features such a driftwood poles that are used to enhance climbing opportunities and the spyglass to peek over the fence. Licensee/ Manager noted she added the latter when children exhibited an interest in pirate play. Noted the posts with circular platforms continue to show wear and are starting to move when in use. Licensee/ Manager will monitor and repair as required. The earth mound with the platform and slide has again worn down exposing the footings of the platform. The platform is no longer secure and wobbles when in use. This is a significant hazard. Discussed options with the Licensee/ Manager - remove the slide and platform and maintain the elevation on the mound to continue with climbing feature, replenish the earth and secure existing platform and slide (knowing this will continue to require attention and maintenance), remove the platform, building up the mound and secure the slide within the mound.

• 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. Indoors The condition of the two washrooms has deteriorated despite the best efforts of the Licensee / Manager since my last routine inspection in July 2022. The dry wall in both washrooms is soft in places and crumbling. The Licensee is concerned about the state of plumbing behind the dry wall. The flooring tile in both washrooms is worn, cracked and discoloured with rust stains. The smell of urine is evident despite best efforts to clean and sanitize daily. Noted the janitorial mop and bucket in front of the urinal (which is not used by the children or staff). The storage of janitorial equipment within access of the children is a safety and hygiene hazard. Outdoors Noted the outdoor shed is showing wear and creeping damage. CCFL strongly recommends replacing the shed within the next 2 years.

• 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. Program space offers a range of activity areas and opportunities for active, imaginative and sensory play.

• 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. Outdoor environment is well maintained overall. Noted two repairs the manager was aware of and in the process of attending to - the torn bumper on the disc swing and the east hand rail at the top of the slide is coming loose. Discussed ways that the hand rail could be addressed. Post inspection - the manager wrote to say both repairs will be attended to shortly and a photo sent to confirm repair.