YWCA Crabtree Corner Early Learning and Care Centre (Under 36 Months)

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. The condition of the kitchen counter has deteriorated since my last routine visit. Water penetration continues to lift the counter top veneer and particle board underneath has continued to swell. The seam to the north of the sink shows signs of water penetration (swelling). Attempts to mitigate the damage with band aid repairs have not been successful. The flooring below the art sink is showing wear, chipping, and must be monitored. The blue wainscotting along the walls throughout the infant / toddler room is chipped, torn, covered with residue and showing wear. The west wall under the children's daily info sheets is chipped, and stained. The wainscotting throughout can no longer be fully clean. Discussed alternates to the poly paper wainscotting that lasts and is resistant to wear. The flooring near the back north door to the playground continues to wear - cracks and separation. The planks were taken up and replaced a number of times in the past few years due to flooding and or leaks. Manager and staff are monitoring. Cubbies for staff and children in both rooms were replaced December 2025.

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 toddler playground north and south were recently renovated and refreshed. Manager stated the children continue to enjoy the play structure in the south, the gazebo undercover area to the north & the north sandbox with adjacent tree planter. Manager said the children enjoyed picking the berries last summer. Manager and staff team are monitoring the condition of some elements in both the north and south playgrounds. Noted the gate between the 3-5 yard and the north infant playground is sticking. The wood post is worn at the bottom indicating this is where the friction is. Manager thought this repair may be dealt with in house with facilities manager. Wood deck in the north yard - the weather stain has worn off and needs refinishing for weather protection. Manager pointed out how the first dark brown stained step bounces on the riser. Not an immediate safety hazard due to support from riser. However continued play will lead to wood planks on step cracking. Preventative maintenance would be to secure the board. Manager reported that the YWCA will be submitting a bulk order for sand to top up all program sand boxes shortly. This will likely be done by early spring. Manager stated that all yards will be pressure washed by early spring, part of seasonal maintenance.

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. Manager pointed out the counter top wear on the sink near the kitchen / eating area. Water penetration is lifting the counter top veneer and particle board underneath is beginning to swell. Intervention measures have not corrected the problem, merely mitigated the damage. Art sink cabinet was replaced recently. To secure a fit with the existing plank flooring, wedges were placed where the flooring abuts the kickplate. On the art countertop the side vertical flashing in one section fell off recently and had to be glued back on. The washroom east wall has yet to be repaired. This is a residual piece of work from last washroom renovation. The flooring near the back north door to the playground is showing wear - cracks and separation. The planks were taken up and replaced a number of times in the past few years due to flooding and or leaks. Manager will monitor and keep CCFL apprised of the above noted concerns. Manager reported that with strong gusts of wind the back door has blown open. It can sometimes take two people, to lock the door securely. Manager stated they have been informed the issue is with the frame and possibly the seal. This is a safety hazard.

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 facility and equipment is well maintained. Discussed the condition of the east washroom wall, work that has been a deficiency since the last renovation. Manager reported the lower half of the east wall will be stripped of ceramic tile and then the entire lower half will be painted with a water resistant paint. Noted there were two small sections of molding above the carpet that had come off on either side of the east gross motor/ nap room door. Manager said they had extra molding and she would have the facilities person fix this. We noted the additional frame around the north side of the washroom gate is cracked at the bottom and the hinge cover bent. We also noted that the gate does not shut properly without a slam, appears to be catching. Manager said this was an ongoing problem. Manager will have the facilities people look at this.

Maintenance of Equipment: A log is kept of all inspections, maintenance and repairs. [Director of Licensing Standard of Practice - Safe Play Space]

Observation. Even though CCFL has viewed playground inspection checklists in use in the past, today the Manager confirmed the practice of recording the daily inspection has lapsed. Manager committed to following up on this and will submit a copy of their daily inspection checklist by the required due date. See above.

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. Reviewed the fire drill log kept in binder. At the time of inspection, manager confirmed that they had forgotten to record the latest emergency plan drill (aka earthquake drill). Suggested using the Centre Record of Emergency Drill template to help with remembering to record all drills. Manager said she would consider this.

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. Some of the renovations to the infant / toddler room (counter) and washroom are still in progress from last year's routine inspection. In addition - One toilet is not working. Manager stated the facilities staff are in the process of acquiring additional quotes for the work. Discussed the straps on the children's chairs in the activity room. Manager stated they are not typically used unless the child wants to be strapped in. I wondered why (if the straps are not being used) the straps were still present. I noted that if the straps remain then it offers the options of use and potential misuse as a means of control or restraint.