St Thomas Day School

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children shall 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 childcare 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, on September 5, 2023, at approximately 10:45 a.m. it was determined that the three-year-old child was not properly supervised on this date. While playing on the playground, the three-year- old child sustained a severed fingertip after the child stuck their finger in the base of the seesaw while playing on the outdoor play unit. According to the staff statement, interviews, inadequate supervision was provided. Medical attention was obtained.

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591-1-1-.26(6) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(6) requires that playground equipment shall provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. For example, toddlers shall not be permitted to swing in swings designed for School-age Children. The outdoor equipment shall be free of lead-based paint, sharp corners and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children.

During a licensing study on February 7, 2023, it was determined based on observation that these hazards were present on Main Playground: Swings--First set with three seats had rust and chipped paint present on the chains and hooks and the second set with two seats had rust and chipped paint present on the chains and hooks. Red tricycle equipment with five seats had chipped paint and rust present on each handle. Large climbing equipment on the back left side of the playground had gorilla tape that covered rust and an area on the platform that was partially rotten and no longer present.

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591-1-1-.26(6) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(6) requires that playground equipment shall provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. For example, toddlers shall not be permitted to swing in swings designed for School-age Children. The outdoor equipment shall be free of lead-based paint, sharp corners and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children.

During an incident investigation, on September 5, 2023, at approximately 10:45 a.m. it was determined that based on investigative findings which included interviews, statements, a three-year-old child was allowed to play on seesaw equipment that had rust. The three-year-old child was able to place their finger in the base of the seesaw, which had rust in the area.

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