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 Incident Investigation Closure conducted on December 19, 2024 ; It was determined based on an investigation that on November 14, 2024, a four-year-old child was running in a classroom, slid across the floor, and collided with furniture in the dramatic play kitchen area. Two staff members failed to provide watchful oversight as a four-year-old child was running throughout the classroom while playing in centers. One staff member faced the outside classroom door speaking to another teacher located in the hallway. The other staff member was sitting at a children¶s table using their cell phone. Staff statements revealed that the incident was not witnessed but heard. Exhibit "A"