Calgary daycare allowed to re-open at limited capacity following ongoing pest issues

Parents desperately searching for childcare spaces are understandably upset after an inner-city daycare forced to close in February over numerous health violations has reopened, despite recent evidence of pests in the preschool and the senior toddler room.

Sun Valley Kids Academy and Montessori is open, but in a limited capacity, following an inspection last month by Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Investigators reported on April 23 that mouse droppings were found in the preschool.

AHS closed the facility after an inspection in early February revealed more than 20 health violations, including cockroaches in the kitchen and mouse droppings throughout the facility.

But, during a visit on Feb. 9, the health agency said inspectors determined most of the work needed to fix the problems had been done.

READ MORE: Calgary daycare shuttered due to cockroach, mouse infestation reopens Monday

However, about two dozen complaints were filed between April 8 and 25.

Google reviews on the Sun Valley Kids Academy page from parents are scathing, though unsubstantiated, with some claiming an unsafe environment, verbal abuse from teachers, and a cover up by management.

However, someone identifying themselves as the owner of the facility has responded to comments saying these allegations are false

Many parents online say they’re pulling their kids from the day care, adding there few options in the community of Mission, and wait lists are long.

In a statement to CityNews, Sun Valley Kids Academy and Montessori claims the reviews on Google have been “posted to defame the business” by “fake accounts.”

It adds AHS has cleared the daycare to operate and that all issued have been remedied.

“AHS report from February and AHS report from recent [sic] show to anyone with logical thinking that improvements have been made,” management said via email.

“We are doing 100 per cent and more to make sure we are proactive with any issues.”

In a statement to CityNews, the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade say they will continue to monitor the daycare.

“When a licensed, facility-based child-care program does not comply with the requirements under the Early Learning and Child Care Act (ELCCA) or fails to meet the conditions of the licence, the Statutory Director is authorized to take appropriate action,” the ministry says.

CityNews has reached out to AHS for comment.