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 arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

During an investigation, it was determined that on November 11, 2025, at approximately 2:29 p.m., watchful oversight was not provided when a 4-year-old child left the center and walked to the adjacent street. After naptime, the 4-year-old child asked to use the restroom. The staff member was unaware that the 4-year-old child exited the restroom, walked out of the classroom, and went down the steps to the second floor. Once reaching the second floor, the child walked down the hallway and exited the center. The child ran through the center’s parking lot and towards the road. At approximately 2:36 p.m., the staff member realized that the child was missing, and at approximately 2:40 p.m., the staff member exited the building and ran through the parking lot to the road. Approximately one minute later, a postal worker entered the center's parking lot with the child in their vehicle. The staff member was following the postal worker's vehicle on foot and retrieved the child from the vehicle. The child was missing for approximately 12 minutes.

Not marked corrected in the state record