Heritage Hills Early Learning Center

591-1-1-.26(9) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(9) requires that playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.

During an investigation, it was determined that on August 25, 2025, a 3-year-old child tripped and fell in a dip in the ground on the playground area. There was one staff member supervising nine 3-year-old children when the incident occurred. Based on staff statements and interviews the staff member was sitting on a bench when she heard a child cry out. She then went and searched for the crying child. She found the child sitting on the ground near a hole or dip in the ground next to the resilient surfacing barrier for a large play structure. The child sustained a left leg injury. Professional medical attention was required. 2. Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) require 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 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 August 25, 2025, a staff member was caring for nine 3-year-old children on the playground when the incident occurred. Based on staff statements and interviews, the staff member was sitting on a bench, logging into the childcare center’s app, and caring for another child when the incident occurred, so she did not see the child fall. The injury required professional medical attention.

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