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.

It was determined based on an investigation that staff failed to provide proper supervision when on November 26, 2024, a two-year-old child left the premises of the childcare center and was found by an employee of a neighboring business. Staff statements revealed that at approximately 4:18 p.m. one staff member took three children inside the classroom from the playground to change their diapers. The staff member changed each child and instructed the children to sit on the carpet. At approximately 4:25 p.m., the staff member realized that the child was missing. At approximately 4:43 p.m., management was notified by an employee at a neighboring business that the two-year- child was found. Management immediately left the center and retrieved the child. The child was missing for approximately 18 minutes. Staff failed to provide watchful oversight when the child was able to exit the childcare center and walk to a neighboring business approximately 171 feet away from the center. .

Open Not marked corrected in the state record