Sun Valley Kids Academy AHS is temporarily closed

A Calgary daycare center has been temporarily closed after health officials found mouse droppings and cockroaches inside.

Sun Valley Kids Academy on SW 2nd Street was closed after live and dead roaches were found in the kitchen, refrigerator and under the sink.

Mouse droppings were found in various places, including on the carpet near the play kitchen, near the diaper closet, and near the children's baskets in the nursery room.

“Mouse droppings have come into contact with children's toys and personal belongings, including bite marks and droppings observed on foam toys in the baby's room,” the report said.

There was also no hand soap in the kitchen sink, a broken probe thermometer and no thermometer in the children's room refrigerator, among other violations.

The owner was ordered to hire a pest control operator and meet a number of other obligations before being allowed to reopen.

There was no word on whether the facility would reopen Monday.

STATEMENT OF AHS

A spokesperson for Alberta Health Services released the following statement on Sunday.

“In response to a complaint from a member of the public, a joint AHS Public Health and Child Care Licensing Inspection of Sun Valley Kids Montessori (Day Care) found conditions that posed a serious public health hazard. This inspection revealed a significant infestation of mice and cockroaches in the nursery, and general unsanitary conditions.

“On the morning of February 6, 2024, a verbal order was issued to shut down the site, for immediate action against the site. This verbal order was followed by a written order on February 8, which was posted online.

“Protecting public health remains AHS's top priority. AHS is taking this action to protect against potential health risks from viruses and other pathogens carried by rodents and other pests.

“This facility will remain closed pending appropriate pest abatement strategies and thorough cleaning and disinfection by the daycare operator and a re-inspection by AHS. To date, no illness has been reported related to this investigation.

“AHS always strives to work with facility operators to resolve issues and avoid putting the public at risk. When violations are identified, operators are notified of the corrective actions they need to take. Inspectors conduct follow-up inspections to ensure violations are corrected and eliminated. Businesses can operate safely.”