The Echelon Daycare Teachers Association

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Harmful actions not permittedNon-critical

  No child is subjected to harmful actions as defined in Section 52. [CCLR Sec 52(1)(a)-(f)]

  Observation. On October 17 2025, Licensing observed the children sitting in a circle, waiting for their names to be called. When their name was called, each child was invited to pick a candy as a reward for completing a puzzle during free playtime. One child’s name was called, but the educator did not give this child a candy because the child had not completed the puzzle. The child asked why, and the educator responded, “You did not complete puzzle so you are not getting a candy. You can complete the puzzle next time and you will have it.” The child appeared disappointed while watching the other children receive candy for completing their puzzles. This observation was discussed with the program manager. The program manager explained that candy was being used as a form of encouragement or motivation to help enhance the children’s focus on the puzzle activity. Licensing informed the program manager that this practice is inappropriate as it could humiliate the child or undermine the child's self respect. Important to note that this practice can be perceived as a harmful action as per CCLR S.52. During today's visit, Licensing observed the following: *An educator saying “it’s circle time and you need to wait for 2 minutes” in response to a child’s request to use the bathroom. *Repeatedly, children were reminded to sit in a “criss-cross applesauce” position during circle time. When children became fidgety, an educator physically helped children sit in this position. *Observed an educator using directive language such as “You need to sit criss-cross applesauce if you want to play the game.” “You will not get a turn if you don’t sit criss-cross applesauce.” *When children were observed standing up, talking to their friends and becoming agitating and disengaged during circle time, educators moved children to different spot in order to prevent them from distracting the educator who was leading circle time. Licensing shared this observation with an educator. The expectation which requires children to sit in one position for the extended period, can be challenging for young children and is not developmentally appropriate. Restricting children’s movement or limiting their use of bathroom can be seen as a harmful action. A meeting will be scheduled with the program manager to address the issues noted above.

• 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 the playground gate not latching properly. This can pose as as safety issue.

• 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. On October 17 2025, Licensing observed that all tables were set up with the same activity. (i.e. puzzles) Licensing was unable to fully assess whether this activity was planned in response to the children’s interests or if it was primarily driven by the children’s motivation to receive candy upon completion. The program manager explained that the children are “trained” to participate in certain activities as part of becoming accustomed to the program’s schedule (i.e. cleaning day, show-and-tell day, etc.). It is important to ensure that the program is designed and implemented to thoroughly support the developmental needs, interests, and abilities of the children rather than focusing primarily on the efficiency or routine of the program. During today's visit, Licensing observed the transition from snack time and circle time followed by the outdoor time. Circle time lasted about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how early each child finished their snack. This is a long period for young children to sit still while their movement is restricted. The first 5 minutes of circle time appeared to be interactive and engaging. However, during the remainder of circle time which involved learning about different types of animals and a group game – many children started to lose interest and became fidgety. Children were only allowed to stand up and “participate” when their name was called to choose a card or an animal figurine as instructed by the educator. Despite the educator’s effort, not all children’s names were called to have a turn which resulted in one child becoming tearful after waiting for the extended period without being chosen. When some children were observed to be no longer engaged in circle time, the educator’s tone of voice gradually got louder in her effort to gain children’s attention. After circle time, children were assisted to use the washroom before going outside as a large group. Some children dressed themselves and were told to sit in their cubby or in a chair until their friends were ready to go outside. When some children were no longer able to remain seated in their cubby, they started to walk around and run. One educator then asked children to line up to go outside. Once all children were outside in the undercover area, children were lined up along the fence while educators were communicating and setting up the tables with table activities. While waiting, one child said, “I want to ride a bike.” The educator replied, “then you need rain gear.” This educator gathered a small group of children who wanted to play in the “uncovered area” then went back inside to help them put on their rain gears. Another child watched this then said, “I want to ride a bike too”. Another educator responded that, “No you can’t because you don’t have rain gear.” Licensing asked if children are not allowed to ride a bike or play in the uncovered area, if they don’t have rain gear. The educator explained that children do not play in the uncovered outdoor space unless they have proper rain gears. This is because some parents have not yet provided proper rain gear for their children. A discussion took place regarding the length of circle time and the importance of providing a flexible schedule that responds to the individual needs and interest of the children as per Schedule G. Important to note that it is required to provide a comprehensive and coordinated program of indoor and outdoor activities that is designed for the development and care of the children. Licensing will schedule a meeting with the program manager to address this issue noted above.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Harmful actions not permittedNon-critical

  A child(ren), while under the care or supervision of the licensee, has been subjected to harsh, belittling or degrading treatment by an employee or another child, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that could humiliate the child or undermine the child(ren's) self respect. [CCLR Sec. 52(1)(c)]

  Observation. During today’s visit, Licensing observed the children sitting in a circle, waiting for their names to be called. When their name was called, each child was invited to pick a candy as a reward for completing a puzzle during free playtime. One child’s name was called, but the educator did not give this child a candy because the child had not completed the puzzle. The child asked why, and the educator responded, “You did not complete puzzle so you are not getting a candy. You can complete the puzzle next time and you will have it.” The child appeared disappointed while watching the other children receive candy for completing their puzzles. This observation was discussed with the program manager. The program manager explained that candy was being used as a form of encouragement or motivation to help enhance the children’s focus on the puzzle activity. Licensing informed the program manager that this practice is inappropriate as it could humiliate the child or undermine the child's self respect. Important to note that this practice can be perceived as a harmful action as per CCLR S.52.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Furniture, Equipment and FixturesNon-critical

  Furniture or equipment for sleeping is used by only one child at a time, is clean and comfortable, and is appropriate for the size, age and development of the children intended to use it. [CCLR Sec. 15(2)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the children's bedding and blankets were stored in a way that allowed excess fabric to touch each other. The program manager informed that they will return to their previous practice and ensure that each bedding will be stored individually to mitigate any risks of cross contamination.

• 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. During today’s visit, Licensing observed that all tables were set up with the same activity. (i.e. puzzles) Licensing was unable to fully assess whether this activity was planned in response to the children’s interests or if it was primarily driven by the children’s motivation to receive candy upon completion. The program manager explained that the children are “trained” to participate in certain activities as part of becoming accustomed to the program’s schedule (i.e. cleaning day, show-and-tell day, etc.). It is important to ensure that the program is designed and implemented to thoroughly support the developmental needs, interests, and abilities of the children rather than focusing primarily on the efficiency or routine of the program.

• 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 a hole in the drywall in the gross motor/ nap room.

• 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 several areas in the poured in place rubber showing signs of wear and tear in the outdoor space.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Behavioural GuidanceNon-critical

  Behavioural guidance is appropriate to the age and development of each child. [CCLR Sec.51(1)(a)]

  Observation. Licensing observed the following interactions: One Educator held the child by their wrist. One Educator had one hand around the child's' upper arm and the other hand on the child's back while directing the child from the bathroom to the direction of the cubbies. The observations were discussed with the manager.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  A record for each child containing a photograph or digital image of the child, and other information that can be used to readily identify the child in an emergency is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(i)]

• STAFFING / Additional criminal record checksNon-critical

  All persons over the age of 12 that are ordinarily present on the premises while children are present are of good character and the licensee has obtained a criminal record check for each person. [CCLR Sec 20]

  Observation. The managers criminal record check expired in January 2024. Please be advised that licensing cannot authorize anyone to be ordinarily present at the facility without a valid criminal record check.

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

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

  Observation. Licensing observed that the storage room in the bathroom that contained cleaning supplies was not locked, therefore accessible to the children.

• 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 seats on two of the bikes were torn exposing the foam underneath. Licensing also observed that some of the metal on the tricycle was cracked leaving sharp edges.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Harmful actions not permittedNon-critical

  No child is subjected to harmful actions as defined in Section 52. [CCLR Sec 52(1)(a)-(f)]

  Observation. Throughout the inspection, Licensing observed on more than one occasion the Educators physically redirect children without advanced notice or talking to the child. For example * An Educator physically moved a child's leg so they were folded "criss cross apple sauce" and then put their arms around the child's body and held the child's arms to their body. * An Educator physically lifted a child up from the carpet and moved their body to where the Educator wanted them to sit. This was observed on more than one occasion. * An Educator placed their arms on a child's body and physically moved them backwards to where the Educator wanted them to sit. This was observed on more than one occasion. * An Educator physically pulled the arms of a child up from the carpet to line up for the washroom. * When children were interacting with Licensing, Educators were observed to physically redirect children away from licensing. Licensing observed that a lot of directive language in a demanding tone was used to instruct children's actions. For example * Children were told to "sit down". * Children were told to sit "criss cross apple sauce" during circle time. * Children were told to "move your leg" during circle time.

• LICENSING / Posting and Advertising of License and CertificateNon-critical

  The certificates, or copies of certificates, of early childhood educators and assistants are prominently displayed in the facility. [CCLR 11(4)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the copies of certificates of early childhood educators and assistants are posted on the wall of the office. The office is not a prominent place in the facility.

• LICENSING / Posting and Advertising of License and CertificateNon-critical

  The licence is displayed in a prominent place in the facility, including any terms or conditions of the licence, and including the name of the manager. [CCLR Sec. 11(1)(2); CCALA Sec.7(c)]

  Observation. Licensing observed the facility license to be posted on the wall of the office. The office is not a prominent place in the facility.

• 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 the pink bifold doors in the lunch/snack area in front of cubbies did not have restrictors in place.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Heated WaterNon-critical

  Heated water accessible to children is heated to no more than 49° Celsius. [CCLR Sec. 47]

  Observation. Licensing observed that the water temperature on the low sink located in the main activity area was hotter than 49 degrees Celsius. The water temperature for sinks in the bathroom were below 49 degrees Celsius.

• 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 a pink tricycle in the playground with a rubber handle that fell off from the left side, exposing a sharper metal around the edge.

• 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. Licensing observed that in the outdoor play space there were three areas; a bike area that has yellow arrows that the children have to follow, a climbing structured area, and a covered area. The first group of children that came out had to play in the climbing structure area, one child asked to ride a bike and the Educator stated 'not right now". This Educator also restricted the movement the children could do on the climbing structure, for example when children were sliding down the spiral pole the Educator held on to the children and guided their movement down the pole. The second group that came out only had the option to ride the bikes. The third group came out into the under covered area. It then began to rain and all of the children were instructed to go to the under covered area and play. Licensing observed this area to be crowed for the number of children. Licensing observed three children playing at the table with limited blocks. These children begin to get into a conflict in regards to the limited supply of blocks available. When Licensing inquired as to why the children all had to remain in the undercover area, one of the Educators stated that the ground and the climber were slippery. Licensing went and tested the area and found that the ground was not slippery. When Licensing asked this questions some of the children said they wanted to go and ride bikes. Licensing also observed that all of the children were required to sit for circle time for approximately 20 minutes. This is a long time for children to be required to sit on the carpet and to participate in circle. The children are taken to the washroom in groups. Licensing observed that the children that were left on the carpet waiting for their turn for the washroom appeared to become bored and antsy, for example they started to touch the "teacher"s things, roll around on the ground and two boys got into a tussle and were on top of each other. At one point one of the Educator's tried to introduce a song, however this was unsuccessful in regarding their attention, due to the extended amount of time the children had to wait. Children do not need to go to the washroom all at the same time or wait in line to use the washroom. Using the washroom is individual and children should not be required to go in groups at the same time. This is not meeting the individual needs of the child or respecting the child's say in when they need to use the washroom. A program is required to ensure they are meeting the individual needs of the children and provide a flexible daily program that responds to the needs and interests of the children. This has been discussed on previous inspection reports.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Records For Each ChildNon-critical

  A record for each child containing any special instruction respecting the childs diet, medication, participation in a program of activities, or other matter relevant to the childs care that is given by the childs parent to the licensee and agreed to by the licensee is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(h)]; A record for each child containing the name and telephone number of a parent, medical practitioner and emergency contact is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(d)]; A record for each child containing any illness, allergy or medical disability disclosed to the licensee by the child or his or her parent or medical practitioner is not kept. [CCLR Sec. 57(2)(e)]

  Observation. Licensing observed one child's file stated a peanut allergy, one child's file stated a kiwi and mosquito bite allergy, and another child's file stating a sensitivity to kiwi. When licensing asked an Educator about the allergy to kiwi, the Educator appeared to not be aware of this allergy. Licensing did not observe any plan in regards to steps needed to be taken if a child comes into contact with an allergen. Licensing observed some children's files did not contain an emergency contact other than the parent.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

  Observation. Licensing observed that there was no record of Fire drills documented for December and February.

No violations recorded at this inspection.