Red Deer largest childcare provider is reviewing all its procedures and policies after a 14-month-old boy was burned by a tipped kettle.
An investigation by Alberta Children and Youth Services into Monday’s accident at Johnstone Day Care, which left a toddler hospitalized with third-degree burns, resulted in two non-compliance orders being issued against the operator, Red Deer Child Care.
One related to having potentially unsafe equipment — a kettle — in the room with young children.
The other related to the adequacy of supervision, considering water was being boiled for baby formula.
Department spokesperson Stuart Elson said Red Deer Child Care has already addressed both issues.
“They’ve already made changes. Steps have been taken to address the concerns.”
No further measures will be taken, said Elson.
Johnstone Day Care has not had any previous non-compliance orders.
Rob Elliot, the executive-director of Red Deer Child Care, said the kettle was removed from the child care room.
From now on, baby formula will be made “where there are no children.”
There was no problem with a shelving unit, as early reports suggested, said Elliot.
But Red Deer Child Care workers are going over each room in every facility to ensure there are no other hazards, he added.
“Sad to say, but (the accident) gives us the opportunity to review policies, procedures and everything else.”
The burned toddler is still being treated at Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital.
An update on his condition was unavailable Friday.
The non-profit Red Deer Child Care operates two daycare facilities, oversees 30 day homes, as well as after-school programs in most Red Deer schools.
The 40-year-old board-run society employs about 70 people and provides care annually for about 1,000 kids, from babies to school-aged children.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com