Strathcona Community Centre Preschool - Preschool

• 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. Children use the adjacent playground as their primary outdoor play area. The fibar area is raked to ensure even distribution and to check for any hazards such as mushrooms or broken glass. Spoke with preschool staff and staff working on playground tidy up re playground structure, etc. Staff noted that the area around the main drain continues to be problematic. During the routine inspection of 2022, CCFL required the uneven and cracked pavement around the drain to be addressed. It was a tripping hazard and led to pooling water that sometimes froze creating an additional hazard. In March 2023, facilities staff apply a patch along one side of the drain. It was of marginal assistance in addressing the issue (patching was rough and raised) and facilities reportedly stated 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. Staff reported that water pools during rain and masks the tripping hazard, compounding the risk of a child of adult falling.

• 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 children use the adjacent playground as their primary outdoor play area. Staff keep the fibar area raked to ensure even distribution and to check for any hazards such as mushrooms. Observed that the play structure will require a pressure washing by spring. Manager stated that they have requested a regular maintenance schedule for the drain. CCFL supports this request given the history of pooling water and debris if this regular routine maintenance does not occur. Observed that one of the lights (southwest) is out and requires attention. The light should be fixed asap as the time change is coming up and the early morning / late afternoon will be darker.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records Must Be AvailableNon-critical

  All records other than those referred to in CCLR sections 56 to 58 are kept in a place from which they can be retrieved within a reasonable time, on request. [CCLR Sec. 59(b)]

  Observation. An issue that came up was access to required information in the preschool room. While complete documentation was present in the portable, the preschool room only had school age files / emergency consent cards on the work cell and a binder of authorized pick up persons. Discussed the need for basic information to use in case of an emergency in the preschool room within easy access. This could having access electronically or via paper form as has been done in past years. Manager and staff team said they would follow up.

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 indoor environment is clean and well maintained. There was a prior leak in the main activity area that has been repaired and is being monitored to ensure the source was addressed. Staff reported the ceiling tiles will be replaced once this monitoring is complete. Noted the paint on the molding in the smaller east washroom is peeling off by the toilet. The paint flakes are being tracked across the floor.

• 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. Overall the outdoor space is well maintained. Out of school care were raking up the leaves in the fibar area. Noted the lack of lighting in the large undercover area. Staff expressed concern for safety, security and access during darker months, especially November to April. Noted the staff had covered the grate in the middle of the paved play area. The concrete around the grate had been repaired recently however the size of the openings in the grate continue to be a tripping hazard. In addition, it means large items such as leaves, toys and other debris can be dropped into the drain leading to increased need for maintenance.

• 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 yard overall is well maintained. Fibar and the play equipment is in satisfactory condition. Staff called attention to the drain in the open play area. A picnic table is placed over the drain because of the tripping hazard. The cement has cracked and on the west side sunk creating a safety hazard. It also prevents the children from fully using the area for running, ball and other gross motor play. While it appears that tree roots are the cause of some of the cracked cement, the cement around the drain can be filled and leveled to minimize the risk.