The Collective Tennyson Childcare Centre

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. Fire drills were practiced and recorded each month, however one emergency drill have not been practiced and recorded once every year.

No violations recorded at this 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. Some children did not have a record of immunization status on file.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. Parents are not informed of snacks served.

• 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. Licensing observed the following: 1) The entry gate to the school age yard was not engaged securely and left ajar. The locking mechanism was not properly engaged. In closed position, the tension on the gate was minimal so it could be opened up with a light push that a child would be capable of. This poses a risk that a child could wander out of the yard. Discussions were held with the manager and director regarding the gates closing mechanism, minimal tension and yard supervision. 2) A section of the fence separating the preK and Group Childcare yard was missing. 3) The school yard is separated from the infant yard by a 29" high yellow fence. The yellow fence directly abuts the glass perimeter fence on a corner post. The corner post has two side posts that stick out from the glass providing supports for a school age child to hold on and pull themselves up on top of the yellow fence. This compromises the height of the 8 feet perimeter fence. The perimeter fence measures only 66 inches from the top of the yellow fence. In addition, the corner post sits on a wood ledge. The wood ledge provides an additional foothold for a school age child. The school age yard is separated from the 3-5 yard by a 29" high purple fence. The purple fence directly abuts the glass perimeter fence and provides a foothold for a school age child to stand on. This compromises the height of the 8 feet perimeter fence. The fence measures only 66 inches from the top of the purple fence. The purple fence runs from the perimeter fence to the sandbox roof at 70" distance. Children were observed to climb on top of the purple fence and then continuing to climb on top of the sandbox roof. Children were also observed to walk across the top of the purple fence along the back of the 3-5 climber. The above observations and compromised perimeter fence height pose a risk of serious injury to a school age child if they were to climb the perimeter fence, and were discussed with the manager, who confirmed that school age children climb on top of the sandbox roof.

• PROGRAM / Safe Play Space Standard of PracticeNon-critical

  Education/Injury Prevention:  Children are taught how to be safe and act responsibly at the playground, how to correctly use play equipment and be aware of potential hazards. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. Children were observed to climb on top of the purple fence and then continuing to climb on top of the sandbox roof. Children were also observed to walk across the top of the purple fence along the back of the 3-5 climber.

• 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 gate to the entry to the Group Childcare yard has been installed but the locking mechanism has not yet been completed. The program manager stated that the children have been swinging the gate open and closed since installation and that the director is in the process of buying temporary child proof locks. Licensing officer advised the program manager to have a supervision plan in place for outdoor play for the time being (e.g. a staff positioned with a visual sightline to the gate). The entry door to the elevator shaft has been fobbed so if a child were to exit the yard they would not be able to leave the rooftop. Fence between the 3-5 Group Childcare and Group Child Care School Age. A plastic baby gate had been tied in one spot and a child bench had been placed as a barrier in another spot.

• 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. Permanent gates have not yet been installed in the following areas: - Entry to the School Age yard. A wood baby gate had been temporary installed. - Fence between the 3-5 Group Childcare and School Age yard. A plastic baby gate had been tied in one spot and a child bench had been placed as a barrier in another spot. Licensing is concerned by the lack of permanent secure gates, particularly in the entry point to the yard; this could potentially lead to a child exiting the yard. The program director stated permanent gates will be installed and she has been waiting for 5 months now.

• PROGRAM / Program of activitiesNon-critical

  Children are provided with a comprehensive and coordinated program of indoor and outdoor activities that is designed for the development and care of the children, and is appropriate for the age and development of the children. [CCLR Sec. 44(1)(a)(b)(c) and Schedule(G)]

  Observation. The school age program shares the indoor and outdoor space with the Group Childcare program (30 Months to School Age). Licensing officer noted that the design of the outdoor environment appeared to be geared towards children aged 30 Months to School Age with limited play opportunities for school age children. The school age children had access to a soccer ball, a tennis ball and sand toys. Licensing officer inquired what other outdoor play opportunities and materials were available and staff stated chalk, parachute, ropes, bubbles, sandbox materials and activities such as flying paper airplanes could be used. Sometimes they go to the community park. When the adjacent 30 Months to School Age program is inside they access their log climber; at the time of inspection the climber was unavailable. Due to heavy usage of various other groups the ground floor outdoor school playground has limited availability.