The YMCA Child Development Center at Halifax

During a correction verification visit, it was observed that an infant was sleeping on a pillow in a crib.

During a correction verification visit, it was observed that staff member 2 could not name the children assigned to them in their primary care group.

While completing an unannounced swimming monitoring visit, staff stated that child 1 needed their medication while in the heat. Staff members did not have the required medication with them while swimming.

During an unannounced swimming monitoring visit, it was observed that the first aid kit was on a picnic table accessible to children. This was corrected during the inspection.

Documentation of a health assessment was not on file for staff member 1.

Continued non-compliance from SIN-00265337. A bin containing large plastic puzzle pieces was observed to be cracked on the playground outside.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that it was too dark during nap in the preschool classroom and certification representative wasn't able to see all of the children. In order to properly supervise children, staff must be able to see, hear, direct and assess the activities of the children at all times.

Documentation of the child abuse clearance on file for staff member 2 was updated more than 60 months of the original clearance date. The child abuse clearance expired on 10/12/24 and was updated on 4/7/25.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that cleaning supplies were within reach of children in the school age room. This was corrected during the inspection.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that a plastic cover over an outlet in the infant classroom was broken/cracked with sharp edges. This was corrected during the inspection.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that the plastic container with toys on the older children's playground was cracked/broken.

Documentation of the health assessment on file for staff member 3 was updated more than 24 months of the original health assessment date. The original health assessment was conducted on 3/26/22 and was updated on 5/30/24.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that a sippy cup in the infant refrigerator was not labeled with the child's name. This was corrected during the inspection.

Documentation of the emergency plan letter that the parents receive at the time of enrollment, did not include accommodations for infants and toddlers.

Documentation of the fire detection alarm testing on file showed that the alarm was not tested every thirty days. The alarm was tested on 6/28/24 and again on 7/31/24; which is 33 days. 8/30/24 and again on 9/30/24; which is 31 days. 9/30/24 and again on 10/31/24; which is 31 days. 11/29/24 and again on 12/31/24; which is 32 days. 12/31/24 and again on 1/31/25; which is 31 days. 2/28/25 and again on 3/31/25; which is 31 days.

Documentation of the first aid/CPR certification on file for staff member 1 was renewed after the current certification expired. The certification expired on 3/26/24 and was updated 5/30/24.

Documentation of the emergency contact form on file for child 2, did not include the release person's address.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that an emergency contact form was not in the childcare space for a child in the older toddler classroom. This was corrected during the inspection.

During the time of inspection, it was observed that the emergency transportation plan was not posted in the older toddler classroom. This was corrected during the inspection.

Documentation of the emergency contact form on file for child 1 was not updated within the last six months.

It was observed at the time of inspection that staff #1's FBI criminal history clearance was completed by the Department of Education and not by DHS as required by the CPSL.

It was observed at the time of inspection an infant was sleeping in their crib with a pacifier that had a stuffed toy attached.

It was observed at the time of inspection that the facility's emergency plan and letter to parents explaining the emergency procedures did to provide accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.

It was observed at the time of inspection child #1's emergency contact information and financial agreement was updated on 8-15-23/8-22 respectively, and then again on 3-19-24. Child #2's emergency contact information and financial agreement was updated on 9-10-23 and then again on 3-26-24. More than the 6-month requirement.

On 12/14/23, at approximately 11 am, staff #1 was observed grabbing child #1 by the arm then forcefully putting child #1 on the floor on her buttocks. Staff #1 has been observed "yelling" at children on multiple occasions.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #1's FBI Criminal History Clearance was completed by the Department of Education, not DHS as required. Staff #5's State Police Clearance was dated 3-18-18 and then updated 4-11-23, Child Abuse Registry Clearance was completed 12-4-17 and then updated on 1-28-23, Mandated Reporter training was completed 11-7-17 and then on 12-19-22. All beyond the 60 month requirement. Staff #7's FBI clearance was completed on 5-8-23 beyond the 45 day provisional hire requirement.

It was observed at the time of inspection the sink in the kitchen was not working, an infant swing cord was hanging freely posing a strangulation hazard, under the diaper changing pad in the infant room there was dust and debris (corrected at inspection), and a the wood on a wooden slide was splintered in the young toddler classroom.

It was observed at the time of inspection the refrigerator in the kitchen did not have a thermometer.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #1's health assessment and TB test was completed after their date of hire and working with children. Staff #5's last health assessment was dated 3-6-20 and then again on 4-11-22.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #2 completed the required one hour DHS Health and Safety updated training on 4-18-23 after the 12-20-22 requirement. Staff #3 completed the required one hour DHS Health and Safety training on 4-19-23 after the 12-20-22 requirement. Staff #7 completed the required health and safety training on 4-29-23 after the 12-20-22 requirement. Staff #4, staff #5 and staff #6 had not completed the required one hour DHS Health and safety training.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #4's experience was documented working with adults and not experience working with children.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #1's record included one nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

It was observed at the time of inspection that staff #1 did not completed professional development in pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 90 days of hire.

It was observed at the time of inspection staff #1 did not have the required National Sex Offender Registry Clearance completed as required.

It was observed at the time of inspection the surface on the heating vent was covered in a layer of dust in the young toddler room. The surface of the heating vent was accessible to children in care.

It was observed at the time of inspection the high chair being used in the Young Toddler Classroom did not have a t-shaped safety strap.

It was observed at the time of inspection that all staff's DHS Approved Pediatric First-Aid and CPR Training was not completed by a PQAS Certified Trainer.

It was observed at the time of inspection that staff #1's record did not contain documentation of her education.

It was observed at the time of inspection that the outside temperature was 60 degrees. Child #1 was dressed in a t-shirt, shorts and was not wearing socks or shoes. Child #1 was carried outside and placed on the padded surface in the infant toddler play area. Child #1 was developmentally able to pull himself up, stand and sit on the ground. Child #1 was outside for a period of 45 minutes.