591-1-1-.32(7) · 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 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 arms length away from children thirtysix (36) months of age and younger.

During an incident investigation, it was determined on August 14, 2024, at approximately 3:43 p.m., a seven-month- old infant’s finger was closed in a closet door by a staff member. The seven-month-old infant was participating in free play on the carpet. There were two staff members and six infants in the classroom at the time of the incident. One staff member was positioned in a rocking chair directly in front of the closet door and was rocking two children to sleep. A second staff member was restocking diaper supplies in the closet. The second staff member noticed the seven-month-old infant at the closet door and redirected the infant to the designated carpet area and continued restocking the supplies, and once completed, attempted to close the closet door. However, the seven-month-old’s hand prevented the staff member from closing the closet door. The seven-month-old’s left hand was caught in the bottom right crack of the door. The staff members did not provide watchful oversight in that neither staff were aware the child had crawled back to the door. The child sustained an injury to their fingers that required professional medical attention.