Piedmont Athens Regional Child Development Center

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children shall 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 child care 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 participating 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 February 11, 2026, adequate supervision was not provided when a 1-year-old child fell out of a highchair. The child was not strapped in the highchair, and as the child leaned over, they fell out of the highchair and hit their head on the floor. Two staff members were present in the room but were not positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times and were not seated within an arm’s length away while the child had food on their plate. The child received professional medical attention for a head injury and facial bruising.

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591-1-1-.15(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.15(4) requires a feeding chair or similar equipment designed for feeding children shall be provided for the use of each child being fed who is capable of sitting up but who is unable to sit unassisted at a table. The chair or similar equipment must be cleaned with a disinfectant. Such chair or similar equipment shall have a broad base to prevent tipping; a surface that the child cannot raise; a strap or other device which prevents the child from sliding out of the chair; and a feeding surface free of cracks.

During an investigation, it was determined that on February 11, 2026, a 1-year-old child was not strapped in their highchair when seated for lunch. The child leaned over, fell out of the highchair, and hit their head on the floor. The child received professional medical attention for a head injury and facial bruising.

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591-1-1-.07(2) · Rule 591-1-1-.07(2) requires that Parents be immediately notified and specific instructions obtained until the child can be picked up or returned to the group, immediately when professional medical attention is required, or when the child experiences symptoms of moderate discomfort, or when the child is involved in an incident that puts their health and/or safety at risk and to notify Parents by the end of the day when professional medical attention is not required, when the child experiences symptoms of less than moderate discomfort or when the child experiences an adverse reaction to prescribed medication which does not constitute moderate discomfort.

During an investigation, it was determined that on February 11, 2026, a 1-year-old child hit their head on the floor after falling from a highchair. The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m.; however, the parent was not notified until approximately 2 p.m., when they were sent a message via the ProCare app indicating that the child had fallen. At approximately 4 p.m., the parent was notified that the child had swelling and photos were sent via the ProCare app. At approximately 4:45 p.m., the child was picked up and received professional medical attention for a head injury and facial bruising. The parent was notified the next day that the child had fallen from a highchair and hit their head.

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591-1-1-.03(9) · Rule 591-1-1-.03(9) requires center staff to refrain from engaging in, or allowing children or other adults to engage in, activities that could be detrimental to a child's health or well-being, such as but not limited to, horse play, rough play, wrestling, and picking up a child in a manner that could cause injury.

During an investigation, it was determined that on April 17, 2024, at 3:03 p.m., a two-year-old child pulled a rolling shelf down, as another two-year-old child climbed on the rolling shelf on Playground B. The rolling shelf that contained large Legos leaned over and fell on top of the two children and a nearby child. One of the children sustained an abrasion to their scalp and a minor head injury as a result of the incident. Staff members were aware that the children were playing on the cart and failed to provide physical redirection from the children’s detrimental activity.

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591-1-1-.12(1) · Rule 591-1-1-.12(1) requires each Employee and child in attendance to use all indoor and outdoor furniture, activity materials, and equipment in a safe and appropriate manner and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, recommendations, and intended use. All equipment and furniture shall be used only by the age-appropriate group of children.

During an investigation, it was determined that on April 17, 2024, at 3:03 p.m., that the center’s use of a rolling shelf was not in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. The rolling shelf was recommended for children ages three to 11-year-old and was being used by a group of two-year-old children. A two-year-old child pulled the rolling shelf down, as another two-year-old child climbed on the rolling shelf on Playground B. The rolling shelf that contained large Legos leaned over and fell on top of the two children and a nearby child. One of the children sustained an abrasion to their scalp and a minor head injury as a result of the incident. Professional medical attention was obtained.

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