The Collective Tennyson Childcare Centre

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• MEDICATION / MedicationNon-critical

  The medications are not readily accessible to employees. [CCLR Sec. 53(1)(b)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the EpiPen on site for one child had expired in February 2026. As discussed with the Manager, it is essential for the child's health and safety that valid medication be available on site at all times. Without a valid EpiPen, the child must not be present until the medication is replaced.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. Several concerns were noted regarding the outdoor play spaces that require prompt attention to ensure the safety and usability for the children: 1. Two glass panels in the perimeter fence of the 3–5 group play space have been broken for several months. As the sandbox is adjacent to this area, caution tape has been installed to restrict access. This has reduced the usable outdoor play space for children, raises safety concerns, and does not meet CCLR - Schedule G requirements. The Manager indicated that arrangements are underway with the VSB to address this issue. 2. Orange-colored mushrooms have overgrown around the wooden climbing logs. For health and safety reasons, the climbing structures have been closed until further notice. This further reduces the usable outdoor play space, raises safety concerns, and does not meet CCLR Schedule G requirements. 3. The surface of the climbing logs becomes very slippery, particularly during winter, icy, or rainy conditions. The Manager noted that discussions are underway with management regarding the installation of non-slip strips to improve grip and safety. 4. A metal gate providing access to the HVAC and air conditioning systems was found unlocked and accessible to children. It is currently secured only with twist ties, which are insufficient to prevent the gate from being opened. 5. Despite the overall condition of the play space, the sandbox has become the most frequently used area. As a result, sand is being tracked throughout the space, leading to low sand levels in the sandbox. 6. The overall landscaping has deteriorated, including the gated garden area, as well as plants and planters along the perimeter fence. The Manager stated that a landscaping team will soon reassess the outdoor play area. 7. Several wooden stumps and logs throughout the play space have begun to rot and become unstable. A discussion was held with the Manager to monitor their condition, and a plan should be developed to remove or replace them once they begin to crumble.

• 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 that one handwashing sink in the 3-5 Group is currently out of service. The program has temporarily tape off the sink and marked as 'closed'.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  Care plans are not reviewed at least once a year with a parent of the child requiring extra support and any person requested by the parent. [CCLR Sec. 58(2)(b)]

  Observation. Care plan was observed have not been reviewed at least once a year with parents of the child; last reviewed in 2023.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

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

  Observation. For the Pre K classroom - 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.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  All indoor and outdoor play materials and equipment accessible to children are suitable for the age and development of the children, safely constructed, free from hazards and in good repair. [CCLR Sec. 16(4)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the sand levels in the sandboxes were low and in need of replenishing. The manager informed licensing they had already put in a request.

• 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 in care did not have a record of immunization status on file.

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

  Design: For prevention of entrapment, spaces (i.e., holes or openings) are smaller than 9 cm (3.5 inches) or larger than 23 cm (9 inches). [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. As observed on the April 26, 2022 routine inspection: Licensing observed an entrapment space between the back of the log tangle climber and the purple fencing that tapered from 3" on one side to 12" on the other side. The manager stated that they were still in talks with the VSB regarding this entrapment space, how to remedy this and who is responsible for the cost. A discussion was held with the manager to have a supervision plan in place until this area is addressed.

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

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

  Observation. It was observed that the door to the preK indoor storage room was left wide open, given children potential access to its contents. A note was posted on the door stating that the door must be kept closed at all times.

• 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 following was observed: 1) The entry gate to the preK 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. One child pushed the gate open between the Group Childcare yard and the preK yard. An educator got down at the child's height and redirected the child verbally away from the gate. 2) A section of the fence separating the preK and Group Childcare yard was missing. 3) Broken child safety gates and wood were stored on top of the sandbox overhead cover. 4) The outdoor storage shed was left open and children entered and exited the shed helping themselves to equipment. There is no direct line of supervision into the shed. Staff reported that children have been taught to only go to the left side of the shed for equipment and that they use intermittent supervision to check on children in the shed. A discussion was held with the manager to keep the shed door closed and have equipment set up ahead of time.

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

  Design: For prevention of entrapment, spaces (i.e., holes or openings) are smaller than 9 cm (3.5 inches) or larger than 23 cm (9 inches). [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

  Observation. Licensing observed an entrapment space between the back of the log tangle climber and the purple fencing that tapered from 3" on one side to 12" on the other side. School age children were observed to walk on top of the purple fence while holding onto the back of the log climber.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  Care plans are not reviewed at least once a year with a parent of the child requiring extra support and any person requested by the parent. [CCLR Sec. 58(2)(b)]

  Observation. Licensing observed a current care plan posted in the Group Childcare room. One child with Anaphylaxis had a current digital care plan and Epi Pen. Licensing recommended to post their care plan in the kitchen where the Epi Pen was located. This was completed during the inspection. One child had an Asthma care plan that had not been reviewed since December 2020.

• 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. Licensing checked a random sample of eight child files. Three files did not have a record of immunization status on file. Licensing observed that some pictures on the emergency consent cards were too small to be legible and recommends to have larger format pictures for every child.

• STAFFING / Character and skill requirementsNon-critical

  Prior to employing staff the manager has met with each person and has obtained the appropriate documentation. [CCLR Sec. 19(1)]

  Observation. One staff had a criminal record clearance letter in the name of another Licensee.

• 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 pre K yard. 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. 1) During the inspection one of the perimeter fence glass panels broke. The panel was located in the climber area of the 3-5 Group Childcare. Caution tape was put up to mark the area off limits. Staff supervised the area when children were playing on the climber, redirecting children who attempted to cross the caution tape. 2) Permanent gates have not yet been installed in the following areas: - Entry to the Group Childcare yard. A wood baby gate had been temporary installed. Licensing observed that the gate was left wide open by a parent entering the yard and staff did not notice. - Fence between the 3-5 Group Childcare and pre K 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.