Seksik Early Care and Learning Centre - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

• 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. Licensing observed the following: * the canopy located over the sand play area is full of debris - considering the adjacent poultry slaughter house, it is likely bird parts / feathers are part of the debris * children commented on the various holes and observing rats/mice in the outside play space - Licensing observed these holes in the ground and beside the platform leading to the slide During the inspection, Licensing was informed that the company that was hired to power wash the outside surfaces and canopy on a weekly basis, had not been at the child care facility for the past three weeks, that their services were cancelled.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed the following: * bird feces on the children's slide had not been washed off / removed prior to children's play - children were observed playing on the slide; this is contrary to the Licensee's Operational Plan that was accepted as part of the licensing process * bird feces were observed on other child accessible surfaces located with in the outside play space ie on a deck located adjacent to the sand play area, on gate / fence * bird feces covered the entire upper portion of the windows that face outside from the main activity space

• POLICIES AND PROCEDURES / Community Care Facility RecordsNon-critical

  The policies and procedures referred to in subsection 1 are implemented by the employees. [CCLR Sec. 56(2)]

  Observation. Licensing observed the use of cell phones by an Educator with the children. The Licensee has a no cell phone use policy as well as a no screen time policy.

• 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. Licensing observed the following: * for the underside of the slide, the fibre glass foam and chicken wire are exposed * there appears to be a rodent hole located under the slide's platform * a hole is present by the drain pipe * the hand rail at the steps has two brackets not engaged As part of the Operational Plan, the canopy over the sand play area has not been cleaned on a weekly basis. Debris has collected on it.

• LICENSING / Posting and Advertising of License and CertificateNon-critical

  The certificates, or copies of certificates, of early childhood educators and assistants are prominently displayed in the facility. [CCLR 11(4)]

  Observation. Only some of the Certificates of Early Childhood Educators and/or Assistants were posted.

• NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES / NutritionNon-critical

  Food and drink provided to children is sufficient in quantity and quality to meet the developmental needs of each child. [CCLR Sec.48(3)]

  Observation. The morning snack consisted of boiled carrot discs and Arrowroot cookies. Licensing was informed that the grocery order was to arrive in the afternoon. Cream cheese was observed available in the fridge which combined with crackers, could have been an option for providing a protein. A discussion occurred with an Educator, the proposed Manager and the Licensee representative about providing healthy food and drink in accordance with Canada's Food Guide.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed a storage room located beside the children's bathroom, unlocked and with the key in the door handle. Licensing brought this to the attention of the proposed Manager and the Licensee representative - specifically about the high storage located within and the risk of items falling a child. The proposed Manager informed that this storage room will not be accessible to children. During the inspection, Licensing observed an Educator Assistant take on the task to spray down the surfaces in the outside play space. In doing so, they were removing bird droppings from the doors, windows and other surfaces in preparation for the children spending time outside. A weekly maintenance log was observed in place which accounted for a company's work to clean and inspect the outside play space each Monday morning, prior to the children's arrival.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Community Care Facility RecordsNon-critical

  There is current log of minor incidents, illnesses and unexpected events, that did not require medical attention and were not reportable incidents described in Schedule H. [CCLR Sec. 56 (1)(f)]

  Observation. A binder is available and contains in-house accident reports. However, there is no log in place to document minor incidents, illnesses and unexpected events that did not require medical attention and were not reportable to Licensing. A discussion occurred with an Educator who works in the program about how this log could also contain observations of children, their challenging interactions with each other and how Educators provided support in response. Licensing advises that follow-up inquiries are made and documented specific to how a child is after a minor incident / injury.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. Licensing observed the following: * soap / water spray available for cleaning surfaces * bleach / water spray available for disinfecting surfaces after cleaning has occurred. Licensing was informed that this solution is changed daily. * liquid soap available in the children's bathroom. Single-use hand towels available at the teacher's sink in the children's bathroom. The children's sink required a paper towel refill. * ant trap observed on the kitchen counter. The Manager informed Licensing that the traps are no longer placed near food or clean dishes and that the ant activity has decreased. * no signs of mouse droppings observed during the inspection. The Manager informed Licensing that the facility has implemented a routine cleaning and sanitizing schedule for strollers to mitigate the risk of mouse activity. A pest control company monitors pest activity regularly. * doors and gates have specialized equipment installed that mitigates the risk of fingers being pinched * kitchen fridge temperature: 8°C. A discussion with the Manager occurred regarding fridge temperatures not exceeding 4°C. The Manager stated they would replace the thermometer to check for malfunction and, in the meantime, will monitor the fridge temperature. * wooden planks on a platform next to the shed in the outdoor play space are deteriorating and need replacement. * outdoor play space ground is uneven in some areas due to frequent power washing, posing a potential tripping hazard. The Manager discussed plans to repave these areas.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed the following: * a hanging decorative light cord accessible to the children in the main activity room. Cord secured during the inspection. * bird excrement and wear on the building finish around the door connecting to the outdoor play space. A discussion occurred with the Manager regarding the condition of this area and its ability to be effectively cleaned. The Manager noted they would contact the power-wash company to discuss thoroughly cleaning this area. The Manager noted potential plans to install an awning over this area. * adult-sized knife on the counter in a secured kitchen was positioned in a way that a child could potentially access it. The knife was relocated during the 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. LO-IT LA reviewed a sample of children's files. One child's record was missing their personal health number, one was missing an emergency contact, and several children's files were missing immunization status.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Continuous Supervision RequiredNon-critical

  Children are supervised at all times by a person who is an educator, an assistant or a responsible adult. [CCLR Sec. 39(1)]

  Observation. LO observed that three children were napping in the nap room without supervision. LO observed two children in the outdoor play area, one of the children was hitting another child. Although the staff person (who is a substitute staff) was close to the two children appeared not to see them and did not intervene. A staff person from inside the program did observe the children and intervened by bringing it to the outdoor staff's attention.

• NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES / NutritionNon-critical

  Information on the food and drink given to children is made available to parents. [CCLR Sec. 48(6)]

  Observation. LO observed that a menu of daily snacks provided to the children is not available to parents.

• 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. Licensing observed a shelving unit that was not secured. L O was able to move the unit back and forth indicating it could topple over.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / First AidNon-critical

  First aid kits are readily accessible to all employees, including while care is provided away from premises. [CCLR Sec. 23(2)]

  Observation. LO observed there is only one First Aid Kit on site. Therefore, if a child that remains in the program requires First Aid the Kit is not accessible.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. LO observed a music player in the nap room with an electrical cord accessible to the children in care. Bird excrement was observed on the doors leading to the outdoor play area and on the windows of the main activity room. Staff stated that these areas are power washed every Monday. However, these areas can become dirty again within minutes or hours of cleaning.

• 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. LO observed several items in the outdoor area: A gate in the outdoor play area that leads to a laneway behind the facility was not properly locked. This gate is accessible to the children in care and can easily be opened. Several areas of the outdoor surface are uneven and have become worn from power washing, creating a possible tripping hazard. There are signs of wood rot on two of the wooden logs used as stools for children to sit on. In the upper area of the playground there are two rubber hoses. Hoses are exposed creating a tripping hazard.

• 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. LO observed that children's records are not complete

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  The licensee has written, parental consent to release a child to someone other than the parent. [CCLR Sec. 57(3)(b)]

  Observation. LO observed that children's emergency contact information is not complete

• 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. LO observed that the most recent emergency plan was implemented in April of 2023

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Staff are trained in the implementation of the fire drill system and the emergency plan, including the use of any equipment noted in the fire drill system and emergency plan. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(a)]

  Observation. LO observed that one staff person did not appear to know what a Fire Extinguisher is and looked for it under a kitchen sink.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Maintenance of Equipment: Thorough inspections of the outdoor play space are conducted regularly. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space] (13)

  Observation. The Manager informed that when the outside temperature reaches below 5'C, the company hired to do weekly maintenance of the outside play spaces, does not power wash surfaces. Licensing was informed that during those times, it is the Educators and the Manager who are doing this work however they are not able to address the canopy that is positioned above the sand play area. The Manager informed that a request has been made for assistance with this matter.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Maintenance of Equipment: Thorough inspections of the outdoor play space are conducted regularly. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space] (13)

  Observation. The Manager stated that she had received information that the company who is contracted to power wash outside, will not be able to do so once the temperature reaches a certain level. Licensing was also informed that as a result of this decision, the company had not been onsite for some time. A discussion occurred regarding the cleaning of the canopy that is positioned over the sand play area in that it had not been cleared of debris recently. This is important considering the operational plan that is in place and the possibility of chicken bones / parts being collected and dropped on top of the canopy by wildlife.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed bird excrement on the gate / latch located between the two programs' outside play spaces. Bird excrement was also observed on the doors leading from the inside program space to outside as well as the surrounding ground and nearby windows.

• 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. When inquiring about a care plan for a child, an Educator informed that perhaps the Manager had it in the office. Another care plan for a different child was available and posted. Licensing looked around the main activity room and located the care plan for the child and presented it to the Educator. Based on the information noted on the care plan, an update is required as the care plan does not include the medication that is being administered on a daily or emergency basis. When referring to the information as to which staff have been orientated to the care plan, none of the names of the Educators in this program are listed.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. Licensing observed that October 3 2023 was the last entry documented of the contracted maintenance company's work in the outside play space. Licensing also observed that no additional documentational sheets were available in the binder.

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. A child with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis has an epi-pen that expired in February 2023. In order to provide the care required should a child be exposed to an identified allergen, a Licensee must have readily accessible medication.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. The following was observed as being addressed: * the hand rail has been repaired - it is stable and functional and does not present as a hazard to children. * a large gap located along the bottom of a portion of perimeter fencing has been addressed. Licensing Officer observed the following: * a hole has formed in the concrete slab located in the outside play space - it presents as a possible source of injury: the Manager informed that it will hopefully be permanently addressed in June 2023 * the maintenance company hired to power wash the outside play space including the canopy located over the sand play area and the plank of board located below the wall mural did not clean away the accumulated debris (bird feces, various debris) on these surfaces * small tears in the canopy located over the sand play area - Licensing recommends ongoing monitoring of the condition of the canopy in order to plan for its repair or replacement * fridge temperature = 4'C, good! * bleach / water spray bottle available to disinfect surfaces * no soap / water spray bottle available to clean surfaces in the kitchen * one of the yellow painted support posts located in the main activity area has an area of paint that has fallen / chipped away

• 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. No sheets are available for use on the sleep / rest mats. As a temporary measure, extra light weight blankets were made available as a covering for the mats.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed pharaoh ant traps placed accessible to children. (ie on the children's bathroom counter, on the children's bathroom floor) (Addressed during the inspection.) Bingo dabbers are available for the children's use. Product label identifies that they are to be kept out of the reach of children. (Addressed during the inspection.) Staff personal backpacks / purses were observed stored accessible to children in the cubby room in an unlocked cabinet.

• 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. The daily attendance record did not reflect the children in attendance or their arrival times. Educator(s) did not monitor this record for accuracy or completeness. This record is critical in times of evacuation or where a child may be missing. As discussed with the Manager, the Child Care Licensing Regulation does not require parents / guardians to complete the daily attendance rather it is a Licensee's responsibility to do so. As discussed with the Manager, an inquiry specific to custody is needed. Licensing Officer observed a tracking system in place by way of photos of children's faces posted on a clipboard. This system was displayed prominently in both the outside and inside spaces.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. As observed during today's inspection, the maintenance log sheet used by the company who has been hired to power-wash, inspect and clean the outside play spaces is not being completed to reflect the maintenance work done. The log sheet only reflects by signature that a power washing of the play area and canopy occurred. As provided on the log sheet, this company is responsible for: * power wash the play area and canopy * litter, needle pick-up in play area * litter, needle pick-up in front area * landscaping play area (3rd Friday of each month) * logbook maintained of all inspections, maintenance and repairs.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  The emergency plan is not practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(c)]

  Observation. Monthly fire drills are documented by Educators as occurring. No annual emergency preparedness drill has occurred over the past year.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed the following: * a hand rail located in the outside play space is non-functional in that of the four brackets, only one was connected; the disengaged brackets were observed as having sharp edges and located at child height * a portion of perimeter fencing (located near a gate exit) presents as a hazard to children (entrapment + potential for a child to go missing / wandering) in that there is a large gap located along the bottom

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. As observed and noted in the September 29, 2022 inspection report, a black mat was placed at the bottom of the slide. Licensing Officer observed that it was removed and a small amount of protective surfacing (Fibar) has been added to the area. Additional protective surfacing is needed at the bottom of the slide and also the climbing wall. The Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space provides the following: Ground Surfacing * depth guidelines for loose fill material: minimum of 6 inches for 5 foot equipment height * depth guidelines for loose fill material: minimum of 12 inches for 7 foot equipment height Use Zones * are the safety zones around the equipment to allow for proper use of the equipment, with adequate space for entering and exiting. Use zones are surfaces under and around equipment, generally extending 6 feet in all directions

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. As observed during the September 29, 2022 inspection and noted in a report, the maintenance log sheet used by the company who has been hired to power-wash, inspect and clean the outside play spaces is not being completed to reflect the maintenance work done. The log sheet does not reflect that the work was done on October 17 or October 24, 2022 - only on November 1, 2022. As provided on the log sheet, this company is responsible for: * power wash the play area and canopy * litter, needle pick-up in play area * litter, needle pick-up in front area * landscaping play area (3rd Friday of each month) * logbook maintained of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. Licensing Officer observed that the checklist titled, Seksik Daily Pre-Opening Outdoor Checklist demonstrated the last entry dated October 25, 2022. No other notations were made for the last part of October and there was no checklist available for the new month of November.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed a black mat placed at the bottom of the slide. An employee informed that they had placed it there so as provide for a softer landing for children. It is unknown as to what the fall absorbency rating is for the black mat.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. The maintenance log sheet used by the company who has been hired to power-wash, inspect and clean the outside play spaces on a daily basis is not current and has not been utilized for many weeks.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. Licensing Officer observed the mud kitchen as having been stabilized to prevent tipping. Licensing Officer observed a strong odour permeating into the outside play space from the adjacent chicken processing plant. A significant amount of bird feces was observed at the base of an outside mural wall and also on the mural itself.

• STAFFING / Additional criminal record checksNon-critical

  All persons over the age of 12 that are ordinarily present on the premises while children are present are of good character and the licensee has obtained a criminal record check for each person. [CCLR Sec 20]

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

  Observation. Bleach / water spray bottles are available and prepared daily. Soap / water spray bottles are available. Liquid hand soap and single-use hand towels are available at each hand sink. Employees have unlocked an exterior outside gate so as to provide egress in the event of an emergency. Fridge temperature = 3'C - good! Opening the facility's entrance door is problematic when trying to unlock it remotely. Ant traps were observed in various areas of the inside child care spaces - all of the traps having been placed inaccessible to children. A portion of the concrete was earlier altered so as to promote drainage in the outside play space. It appears that a divot is now forming. Continue to monitor it so as to prevent a possible tripping hazard. Licensing was informed that the canopy which is positioned above the sand play area has not been power-washed on a weekly basis over the last several weeks as per the operational plan. It was explained that this was due to the freezing weather. Licensing observed debris located in the corner of the canopy. Considering the chicken processing plant located next door and the understanding that seagulls and other bird life have a propensity to pick-up and drop chicken parts into the outside play space, the removal / cleaning of the canopy is important. Holes were observed located going underneath the platform at the top of the slide. They appear as though they have been caused by rodents. Bird excrement was observed at the bottom of a window that is located near the door that leads from the inside activity space to the outside play area.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

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

  Observation. The maintenance log sheet used by the company who has been hired to power-wash, inspect and clean the outside play spaces on a daily basis is not current.

• STAFFING / Additional criminal record checksNon-critical

  All persons over the age of 12 that are ordinarily present on the premises while children are present are of good character and the licensee has obtained a criminal record check for each person. [CCLR Sec 20]

  Observation. Licensing observed criminal record check clearances for two employees which are copies of ones provided to previous employers. Prior to the completion of this report, a clearance for one employee was provided and it was one that was provided from the Ministry to the Licensee. For the other clearance, the Manager presented documentation which demonstrates that a consent form has been submitted to the Ministry.