Union Gospel Mission Child Care Centre

• 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. Play structure overall is in satisfactory condition. Manager stated the playgrounds including structures are pressure washed to remove slippery green slime twice a year. Last round was in December and the second is planned for beginning of June. Confirmed that, based on current condition of afflicted features June, if not earlier, is a reasonable time frame. Confirmed exposed wood features including steps, railings and stumps have green slime on them. It is typical for green slime to accumulate over the wet winter season. See photo in 3 to 5 report for example of slime. Programs typically budget to replace and or top up sand at least once a year. Children fill, carry and dump sand, sand gets in children's shoes and clothing and eventually the level drops. Noted the amount of sand that has spread into the artificial grass. Shared that this is hard to remove and a natural process of play. Manufacturers generally recommend not co- locating sand and PIP or artificial grass. This was highlighted by CCFL at time of plan reviews. Manager discussed replenishing sand mid / late spring for the summer. CCFL concurs with this planning. Discussed obtaining high quality washed sand suitable for construction play and molding. A pervasive issue shared with the 3 to 5 (Lavender) yard - tripping and other related safety hazards due to soil erosion & pavers lifting throughout the landscaped areas. Manager has placed a request for more top soil and for pavers to be embedded into the earth (as it was upon opening). To date, no action. Observed today that soil erosion has exposed sharp edges of concrete/ metal fittings and exposed piping as well as providing areas for water to pool. Lack of soil has impacted what can be grown in the planters. And significantly left raised edges on the pavers that result in tripping hazards. See photos for visual. This safety risk to be addressed asap. Another related issue is the decline of the central (round) planter. An invasive plant has overgrown and smothered the intentional plantings. There are some bald dead patches. CCFL concurs with manager, the invasive plants must be removed for any intentional planting to survive. See photo for examples.

• 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 overall cleanliness, safety and maintenance with Manager. Noted that overall the level of cleanliness has improved and held at a satisfactory level over the past two inspections. Maintenance is at a satisfactory standard as well. Any exceptions are discussed below. In the Lavender, we noted the cover for the HVAC venting was dusty in the washroom. Staff and Manager reported the HVAC system throughout the facility is cleaned twice a year. Staff member said they thought the next cleaning was likely due in September 2025. The gate and barrier separating the activity room and the washroom in the Chamomile room is working well. Observed that there are some issues arising in the cleaning re the Chamomile washroom. Important to address this immediately and then ongoing. This is the age group most likely to be accessing the floor and low surroundings. Additional cleaning is required around and between the sinks, along the cove flashing (floor) and the wall. Noted additional attention required in all corners and along the bottom of the gate and barrier. Manager stated she would follow up. Walls are chipped throughout the Chamomile program spaces. This is not unexpected with a newly licensed facility and staff moving furnishings to discover what configurations work and those that don't. In addition, child care spaces typically require more frequent painting due to heavy use compared to residential. Manager reported that a requisition for repainting was in progress. Observed the balcony where emergency supplies are stored has not been bird proofed. Bird feces was evident on the balcony and furnishings. Staff access his space for breaks and in case of emergency. While staff change shoes to enter program rooms, everyone (staff, families and children) access the lobby coming and going to the program spaces. Tracking of feces into the facility is a concern requiring action.

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. When a new facility opens, over time the children educate us on deficiencies within the design. The Manager and staff team have discovered the open entry to the washroom poses a health and safety risk. Children are accessing the washroom sinks, splashing water on the floor creating a slipping hazard and have easy access to explore toilets and other related hazards. CCFL observed this behaviour and concur that a barrier and gate must be installed to mitigate this risk to health and safety. Currently the staff are blocking the area off with a low long bench but this is not sustainable. Manager stated they submitted a request for permanent pony wall and gate however they have been informed this may take time. CCFL will require an interim solution to be installed asap. CCFL noted that a neighbouring child care addressed a similar issue with removable but sturdy rails and gate. Suggested Manager contact the manager of this Under 3 program for the source of this removable railing / gate system. Noted overall the cleaning is satisfactory however the washroom is starting to show signs of some neglect including dust accumulating on the heater, debris between sinks on the floor and accumulation of debris behind the toilets. This level of cleaning is not the responsibility of staff. Staff's priority is the care and supervision of the children. Noted the facility is new and good condition. Ongoing, mindful cleaning and maintenance will help prevent costly repairs and replacements. Manager and I discussed the importance of setting standards for cleaning such that the facility does not experience premature degradation of the flooring, etc. Manager stated she would address this with UGM management and follow up asap as a preventative measure. Manager will report back to CCFL with any questions or concerns.

No violations recorded at this inspection.