Singing Frog Aboriginal Head Start

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 are two children with asthma and one child with asthma and an EpiPen. Manager and staff reported that any medication is stored in the outing back pack. Care plans are posted in conspicuous place in the activity room and carried in the outing back pack. Staff reported the EpiPen travels back and forth in the child's back pack. The back pack is kept in the child's cubby. The practice of transporting the EpiPen back and forth from home is an acceptable practice. However it means that staff have to be vigilant, checking the back pack upon arrival and before the family or drop off person leaves. In addition, staff need to ensure the EpiPen be kept close, e.g., easy access if playing outdoors, cubby room is a bit of a walk and precious seconds could be lost. Staff member raised this and said she would discuss this with the group. Staff member and I went to check on the EpiPen in the child's back pack. The EpiPen was present. However it was expired = September 2020/ 2021. Staff and Manager expressed surprise. Manager stated they are in conversation with the parent about the EpiPen. I noted that if money was a barrier (EpiPens have gone up in price) there were options. Some programs are purchasing EpiPens for children who need them (I.e. have been prescribed them) and then have families complete the care plan giving consent for their use. One needs to take care with this approach because if more than one child has say an allergy to bee/ wasp stings and they are all stung at once, one EpiPen will not be sufficient. Noted with some allergies, if the child does not have EpiPen in place then care must be refused because the risk is too high. For example, bee / wasp stings, the center cannot control this exposure. Manager said she would consider the option of the preschool purchasing the EpiPen and proceed accordingly.

• 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 play area continues to be an oasis of nature in the very urban environment surrounding the preschool. A wide range of play opportunities are offered. A "living room" area has been created on the covered deck that is functional and inviting. Manager reported the deck was just pressure washed and will be stained or painted in the near future. Manager is hoping for a weatherproof, natural stain on the deck. (This action item was identified as being required by CCFL during 2023 inspection.) There are three identifiable spots on the exposed deck that require monitoring and/ or attention - 1) rotting wood under and beside the top post -white railing next to the steps down from the covered deck, 2) the second plank east of the building on northwest section of the exposed deck (plank has sunk slightly, nails beginning to press up) and 3) chipped, rotting spot where two planks join, kiddy corner north of the white post and railing. Inquired as to when the corrugated, clear roof on the covered deck and the gutters were last cleared/ cleaned. It appears time for both however timing may be coordinated with when last leaves and needles drop in the fall. Sand was identified as requiring replenishing in September 2023. This has yet to take place. Sand should be of quality such that it can manipulated into shapes that hold. CCFL strongly recommends river washed fine sand for its creative / constructive qualities as well as its safety. Sand that is full of grit and larger particles does not offer the same play value and can be unsafe if consumed. Discussed the large log that forms the base and central feature of the climbing / imaginative structure. The bark has worn off and now the first ring is wearing. The rest of the log is solid and sound. Currently there are no sharp edges or slivers that would represent a hazard.

• 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 repairs to remedy the soft spots in the activity room sub floor and the replacement of the kitchen counters and cabinets. It is hoped the soft spots in the sub floor will be repaired early in new year. A timeline for the counter/ cabinet work is being considered. Manager will keep CCFL updated.

• 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. Windows even with double panes do not mitigate noise from sky train, traffic and sounds from industry across the street. Manager noted that smoke from passersby come through the window. Lack of screens on the south side allow flies in. Windows are of a height that children cannot see out. Discussed possible measures to address some of these challenges including purchase of a loft so that children may have a visual connection to outdoors and screens for the windows to prevent insect egress. If a loft is purchased then windows must be shut or somehow safety proofed during use. Noted that traditional noise mitigation (tall noise buffering fencing and vegetation) may be challenging given the location and structure. There is no visual access to the outdoor play yard. Staff have to be vigilant in their supervision and communication. Bifold doors require a safety mechanism. The tall bookcase is not secured to the wall. The rigged cover for underneath the art sink was pulled off so many times, staff have removed it. If the art sink counter and cabinets were to be replaced, a properly constructed cover should be installed over this area. There are two soft spots in the sub floor in the main activity room - prior site of vents - one diagonal to the art counter and another across from the bifold closet. The circle room has an open pass through window. Manager reported that the open space has created a climbing hazard. They tried plexi glass in the space but that was not successful as the plexi glass rattled with movement and air flow. Suggested that tempered glass in an appropriate frame may be an alternative. Visual access could still be maintained and the climbing hazard mitigated. No visual access to the cubby room and front door. Staff have learned to detect the sound of door opening and come to check. Washroom is the city required accessible washroom, around the corner and not within visual access of the activity room. This and the fact that there is only one toilet and hand basin impedes the children's timely and independent access. There are chairs in the cubby area for children to sit while they wait to use the washroom. Staff have to provide one to one supervision. The program has to staff to support this, otherwise ratio would be compromised. Heater is rusty. Washroom counter and toilet are at adult height and the faucet is located at the back of the hand basin for an adult. If the sink is to be replaced in the future, faucet / taps should be located closer to the front for easy child access. CCFL recommends closed front toilets to assist with containing urine. There is a transition plate missing from the cubby to the activity room. Transition plate from the east hallway to the kitchen requires replacing. Noted there is a lack of dedicated storage throughout. Hallways are lined with shelving and materials. Laundry is located across from shelving next to the adult washroom. Adult washroom is not within easy access, staff must leave the activity room go down a hall and through a storage area. Manager noted they are waiting on the release of preapproved funding for kitchen counter and cabinet replacement.

• 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. Entrance steps require sanding and repainting. Water continues to pool on the entry ramp (right angle corner next to the building). The outdoor play area continues to be an outdoor oasis of nature and offers a wide range of high value play opportunities. There are elements of the yard that do require attention and are aging out. The exposed areas of the deck require sanding and repainting with weather proof paint in the short term. Long term - extending the cover over the exposed deck will prevent ongoing maintenance issues and help preserve the wood. Gutters should be cleared late fall, after all leaves have dropped. The Manager reported the bridge that predates the portable will be replaced. A contractor came and took measurements yesterday. Discussed the need for a written description and drawings related to the proposed replacement. CCFL will require drawings of the bridge replacement and railings that include detailed dimensions, the overall design and materials to ensure compliance with the CCLR and DOLSOP. Noted that the previous bridge lasted so long due to the sturdy construction and solid materials. Discussed the need to ensure the railings are not climbable. Sand in the sand pit requires replenishing. Fibar to be raked to remove leaves and redistribute the fibar that has gathered under low impact areas. Once the fibar has been evenly distributed, the manager can then check for fill levels. Discussed how, for the Singing frog climbing features, the area was originally filled for 12 inches. Fibar does pack down with rain and use and continues to retain its resiliency. After raking, Manager will check to ensure the fill levels are at least 9 inches. If the existing fill is less than 9 inches, then fibar must be replenished. Drainage in the play yard has been an ongoing issue. In recent past, heavy rains caused the yard to flood such that children could not play outside. The group daycare across the school yard has had similar issues. Despite best efforts of the Singing Frog Manager and Licensee, the VSB and City have not been responsive. This summer the daycare across the school yard had their drainage attended to by both the city and VSB. It is hoped that the replacement of piping in daycare & school yard will help mitigate the drainage issues at Singing Frog. Manager will monitor and will report to CCFL if the drainage issues continue.

• 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. A permanent fix for the drainage issue has not yet taken place. When the outdoor play yard was undergoing renovation, the landscaping crew investigated and took a video of the problem. Since that time, the Manager has been trying to obtain the cooperation/ attention of the school principal, VSB facilities and city of Vancouver engineering staff to attend to the matter. This issue has been out of compliance since November 2021. Noted the paint is peeling on the front steps and landing as well as the back deck again. This has been an ongoing issue, whereby the steps and decking are repainted then within the year, require painting again. CCFL strongly suggests exploring another type of paint or stripping the steps, landing and deck and staining to prevent the ongoing cycle.

• 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. Manager communicated with CCFL last week re the flooding of the yard due to heavy rains. The drainage issue was supposed to have been corrected this past summer by VSB. However the water pooled to unprecedented levels and did not drain for one to two days. The matter is still being explored and a solution sought given the potential for more heavy rain. Manager has submitted a construction safety plan for upcoming work to be done in the yard. CCFL has reviewed and accepted recent plans for the work. Many if not all issues identified during my visit this morning will be addressed as part of this work. The Licensee and Manager will commit to addressing anything outstanding post construction. * Shed doors will be replaced as part of the proposed work. * The seventh rail (going north) has rotted out on the bridge and will be replaced. * Sand must be replenished in the sand pit. * Fibar must be replenished in the log area. * Paint is peeling on the front steps and the back deck (exposed to the elements).