Growing Room Too

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 investigation, it was determined that on October 3, 2024, a non-verbal two-year-old child sustained multiple bites to the face and was pulled by the hair due to another child attacking the child while on the playground. The two-year-old child was being held down on the ground on the right side of the playground by another child. There were four staff members and 15 children on the playground along with another class at the time of the incident. Video footage observed the four staff members occupied having conversations at the time of the incident. Another child walked over to the staff members and alerted a staff member that the two-year- old child was being attacked. The two-year-old child was taken into the administrative office for First Aid treatment by the center staff. The staff members did not provide watchful oversight in that staff members were not aware the child had been attacked by another child while on the playground. The child sustained injuries to their face that required professional medical attention.

View state record

591-1-1-.29(3) · Rule 591-1-1-.29(3) requires that the Director or designated person-in-charge shall 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 relocating children; and any time the program’s operating status changes (i.e., open to closed or temporarily closed and temporarily closed to open).

During an investigation, it was determined that on October 3, 2024, a nonverbal two-year-old child sustained face injuries after being held down, bitten and pulled by their hair while in care. On October 3, 2024, the center management was notified that the two-year-old child received professional medical attention. Center staff failed to submit a required report to the Department within 24 hours or the next workday as required after becoming aware that the two-year-old child had obtained professional medical attention.

View state record