Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the childcare area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participate with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.
During an investigation, it was determined that on October 31, 2025, at approximately 2:35 p.m., the center staff did not provide adequate supervision when a 3-year-old child sustained a lip and tooth injury while in the 5L classroom. There were fifteen 3-year-old children present with two staff members at the time of the incident. One staff member was assisting children in the restroom. The second staff member was cleaning tables with their head down. The children were seated in their cubbies, waiting to transition to outdoor play, when the 3-year-old child lost their balance while swinging on the edge of a table. The child hit their mouth on the edge of the table and approached the staff member that was cleaning. The child was distressed with blood coming from their mouth. The staff members did not witness the incident when it occurred. When the child was questioned about what happened, the child pointed to the table, and another child demonstrated that the injured child swung on the table before slipping and hitting their mouth. The 3-year-old child cried and complained of mouth pain. The child sustained swelling, bruising, or discoloration due to the incident and received professional medical attention.