Appledale Children's Centre

Observation. The name of the Manager is required to be displayed in a prominent location in the facility.

Observation. A review of past attendance records showed that there were several days on which more than 8 children were in attendance at the facility. The facility is licensed for up to 8 children only, based on the documentation that was received during the licensing process. There are no circumstances under which a facility can care for more than the maximum capacity allowed for on the licence. A plan to ensure that does not occur in the future must be submitted to Licensing.

Observation. The temperature of the hot water that is accessible to children measured hotter than 49 degrees Celsius. A method of ensuring that the temperature of the water stays below 49, is required in order to prevent the children's skin from being burned or scalded.

Observation. An evacuation plan exists, however the emergency kit does not contain all items that may be required in an emergency involving children. The plan must include access to emergency supplies and contact information for each child. A review of the emergency plan and re-stocking of the emergency kit is required.

Observation. The staff files that are on-site are incomplete. All staff files must include evidence that references were checked, as well as a statement of immunization status, criminal record check results, resume and relevant certifications. A method of ensuring that staff files are kept onsite and up-to-date is required.

Observation. A review of children's registration forms discovered that some required information wasn't provided by parents. All of the information listed in Section 57 of the Child Care Licensing Regulation is indicated on the registration form, and is required to be kept for each child attending the program. A method of ensuring that all required information is obtained before children attend the facility is required. Some photocopied photos of some of the children are on a wall display, however, a current photo or digital image of each child, that can be used to identify them in an emergency is required. A method of obtaining photos and keeping them in a way in which they are easily accessible must be implemented.

Observation. No minor accidents, illnesses or unexpected events have been recorded this school year. A system for recording all accidents or illnesses is required. Each time a child's parent is notified of an injury or illness must be recorded. Play space inspections were observed to be recorded most days, but not all. The outdoor play space must be inspected daily, and that inspection must be recorded.

Observation. Fire drills and emergency evacuation plans have not been recorded regularly. Monthly practice of the fire drill, and annual practice of the emergency plan must be recorded.

Observation. The Facility Licensing Officer arrived at 11.00 am. The manager was in attendance with 10 children. The maximum facility capacity is 8 . The FLO reviewed the attendance which indicates that at 9.30 , when the last two children were signed in, there were 10 children in attendance. The Manager reports that parents had arrived without pre-booking spots for the day. The Manager called a substitute care provider at to assist with the care and supervision of the additional children. The Manager reported that the substitute was called at 10.30 and later provided email confirmation that the additional staff arrived at 11.50am.

Observation. Observations: Licence and ECE Certificate posted, no changes to the structure or operation of the facility. Ensure that when substitute is working, the Assistant Certificate is posted. Contravention: Manager name needs to be posted in a prominent location

Observation. Observations: Facility appears clean and in good repair. Hot water measured below 49°C and fridge temperature below 4° C. The damaged fence identified at the previous inspection, has been repaired to the extent that the fencing ensures the children's safety. This item is now considered resolved. A written notification that the item was corrected was not received by licensing. Contravention: There is lumber that children use for loose parts building located in the swings use zone. The FLO accessed the Director of Licensing Standards of Practice - Safe Play Space and reviewed the following: Use zones are surfaces under and around equipment, generally extending 6 feet in all directions (swings should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the outer edge of the support structure on each side and the front and back of the swing should extend out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing as measured from the ground to the swing hangers on support structure). Children should not be allowed in the use zone to hide, relax, play, etc.

Observation. THIS ITEM REMAINS UNRESOLVED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. Missing from the substitute file is evidence of immunization status and completed character references. There is evidence of reference phone numbers, however evidence that the references have been called is missing. A discussion occurred outlining how calling the references and making a note of the date/time of the call and highlights of the reference check would meet the intent of ensuring the staff's file has references.

Observation. Observations: System in place to ensure children's records are complete. FLO tested system and found child files to be complete, log of minor injuries/incidents unexpected events updated regularly, children's arrival and departure times consistently recorded. Contravention: THIS ITEM REMAINS UNRESOLVED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. Manager confirmed play space inspections are occurring daily, however are not recorded. Monthly inspections are occurring specific to the manufacturers recommendations for the play structure. Evidence of Yearly Play Space inspections is missing.

Observation. A large outdoor permanent Gazebo with a cement floor and an asphalt bike path has been installed in the outdoor play area. Licensing was not notified of the installation. The facility will be closed for a week (April 25th - 29th) for the installation of a solar panel. Licensing was not notified of the installation plans. Written approval was not provided by licensing for either of the above projects.

Observation. Manager confirmed that visual daily play space inspections are occurring. A record of daily, monthly and yearly play space inspection is required.

Observation. The area surrounding the electrical panel has exposed insulation on two sides. The toilet on the right hand side is leaking. There is a section of fence that is damaged from a tree falling on it. One swing is broken. Manager has installed black rubber mats under the swings. Sand is the chosen resilient surfacing. The sand has become compacted in front of and behind the swings in the swinging zones. Hot water was measured at 51.2° C

Observation. The substitute , who qualifies as an Assistant has an incomplete staffing file. The file is missing two or more references, work history, immunization declaration, Assistant certificate and evidence that the Assistant certificate has been validated. Manager's file was not on site today.

Observation. A review of the fire drill records indicated that drills were missed in August and December 2021. - This is a repeated contravention. A record of the emergency response plan practice was missing.

Observation. The Manager's Criminal Record Check needs re-processing.

Observation. Once child's file was missing an MSP# Manager confirmed that daily visual checks of the outdoor play area are occurring. There is a field on the attendance form to record the inspections. The practice of recording the inspections needs to be re-introduced on a daily basis.

Observation. Two out of the past twelve months fire drills were missed.