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 September 6, 2024, a one-year-old child was able to grab a safety lock off a cabinet and the staff was unaware that the child had obtained the safety lock in the one-year-old classroom. Another child pushed the one-year-old child while they had the lock in their mouth and as a result the child sustained an injury to their tongue. The staff were unaware that the child had obtained the lock until after the child was pushed and the staff went to attend to the crying child. The staff member observed the lock in the child’s mouth and that the child’s mouth was bleeding. The child required professional medical attention as a result of the incident.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Open / not marked corrected.

591-1-1-.29(3) · Rule 591-1-1-.29(3) requires the Director or designated person-in-charge to report or cause to be reported to the Department within twenty-four (24) hours or the next work day; any death of a child while in the care of the Center; any serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical attention other than first aid of a child while in the care of the Center; any situation when a child in care becomes missing, such as but not limited to a child who is left on a vehicle, a child who leaves the building, playground, or property, or a child who is left behind on any trip; any fire; any structural disaster; any emergency situation that requires temporarily locating children; and any time the program’s operating status changes (i.e., open to closed or temporarily closed and temporarily closed to open).