Strathcona Community Centre Group Child Care - School Age - #1 - Group Child Care (School Age)

• 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 licensed out of school care program uses the school playground and local parks. The kindergarten age children in E 100 use the enclosed playground. As reported by the Manager, CCFL noted the drainage / tripping hazard in the E100 yard has not yet been addressed. This issue was cited as requiring action during the preschool inspection on October 15, 2025. Action was required by November 28, 2025. This has yet to occur. Background - During the routine inspection of 2022, CCFL observed uneven and cracked pavement around the drain & required this be addressed. It was a tripping hazard and led to pooling water that sometimes froze creating an additional hazard. In March 2023, facilities staff applied a patch along one side of the drain. It was of marginal assistance in addressing the issue (patching was rough and raised). Facilities reportedly said there was nothing further they could do because replacing the drain and surrounding area was too costly. CCFL asked Strathcona child care staff to monitor. Now two years later the patch around the drain has contracted, there is additional cracking and the gap has created a tripping hazard again. Cracks in the asphalt are apparent throughout the yard likely due to tree roots lifting the surface. Staff reported that water pools during rain and masks the tripping hazard, compounding the risk of a child or adult falling. This pooling was evident today. Noted the trees surrounding the E100 playground are now bare. Leaves cover half of the surface around the E100 playground structure. The leaves are wet and heavy on the fibar. Soon the weather will cool and freezing might occur making the surface even more slippery. Discussed with lead staff in E100 and the Manager. Stated that, in the past, CCFL has observed regular raking of the area and it has been rare to see this accumulation. Both lead staff and Manager confirmed they will follow up & ensure the area is raked.

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. Overall the facility is in satisfactory condition. Staff teams are diligent in monitoring and following through on any observed hazards or other issues. Manager informed me that the portable received a new air conditioning system in July 2023. E 128 and 130 - There are hooks on the wall to keep blind cords out of reach of the children. Blinds cords were hanging down with exposed loop in E 130. Manager moved cords up out of reach of children during inspection. Compliance achieved during inspection. Note - Blind options are now available that eliminate cords and their hazards. CCFL strongly recommends those options be considered for any future acquisition.

• 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. Reviewed required actions from February 2022 School Age and November 2022 Preschool routine inspections. Manager has been providing CCFL updates as the work is completed. One outstanding requirement re the windows in E 128 is being addressed. During the last week of January and first week of February, the windows in E 128 and E 130 are being replaced. Manager will confirm once the windows are in. Counter tops, sink, island and cabinets were replaced in the portable kitchen. Portable was repainted. The E 300 wing requires repainting. The walls and wallpaper are chipped, torn, paint is stained and dry wall exposed. Walls in classrooms and hallways appear neglected and are now impossible to keep clean.

• 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. E 100 is shared by the preschool and school age program. During the preschool routine inspection in November 2022, CCFL noted that issue regarding adequate lighting in the undercover area and the issue regarding the grate in the middle of the paved yard. This work has not yet been addressed and is outstanding. School yard playground equipment & resilient ground cover was inspected prior to start of inspection and is in satisfactory condition. Program has bought a pressure washer to assist with maintaining the portable decks and enclosed play area. New heavy picnic table was purchased and the portable fold up table are now locked to the fence for safe keeping when not in use.

• 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. Noted that corners, areas between and behind items are receiving adequate attention from cleaners, i.e. vacuuming. Noted other small actions required re maintenance some of which the licensee is aware via work orders. See list below. Some actions pertain to School Age #2.

• 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. Noted the school has installed an "outdoor classroom" consisting of large boulders with flat surfaces and coarse gravel surfacing. Noted there are no natural elements such as vegetation beyond the stone. Area is stark, hard and cold. The stumps next to the portable have been removed.