Rule 591-1-1-.32(1) requires the Center to maintain the required Staff:child ratios as follows: under 1 year or under 18 months if not walking = 1:6; 1 year and walking = 1:8; 2 years = 1:10; 3 years = 1:15; 4 years = 1:18; 5 years = 1:20;and 6 years and older = 1:25. A Center must establish groupings of children for care with maximum group sizes as follows: under 1 year = 12; under 18 months/not walking = 12; 1 year and walking = 16; 2 years = 20; 3 years = 30; 4 years = 36; 5 years = 40; and 6 years and older = 50.

During a Licensing Study conducted on October 17, 2024 ; It was determined based on observation that Room B3 had 11 two-year-old children present when a ratio of 1:10 needed to be maintained.

591-1-1-.32(1) · Correction status not published

Rule 591-1-1-.12(4) requires that equipment and furniture is secured if it is of a weight or mass that could cause injury from tipping, falling, or being pulled or pushed over.

During an Incident Investigation Closure conducted on November 14, 2023 ; It was determined based on investigative findings that on September 12, 2023, a two-year-old child sustained a bruised hand after they climbed onto a shelf and the unsecured shelf fell over on to the child. The child received professional medical treatment as a precaution.

591-1-1-.12(4) · Correction status not published

Rule 591-1-1-.32(1) requires the Center to maintain the required Staff:child ratios as follows: under 1 year or under 18 months if not walking = 1:6; 1 year and walking = 1:8; 2 years = 1:10; 3 years = 1:15; 4 years = 1:18; 5 years = 1:20;and 6 years and older = 1:25. A Center must establish groupings of children for care with maximum group sizes as follows: under 1 year = 12; under 18 months/not walking = 12; 1 year and walking = 16; 2 years = 20; 3 years = 30; 4 years = 36; 5 years = 40; and 6 years and older = 50.

Rule 591-1-1-.36(10) requires that a child never be left unattended in a vehicle. AND

591-1-1-.36(10) · Correction status not published

Rule 591-1-1-.36(7)(c)2 requires that the driver or other designated person shall immediately document in writing, with a check or other mark/symbol to account for each child listed on the passenger transportation checklist each time a child enters and exits the vehicle. The driver or other designated staff person shall document in writing with a different mark/symbol to account for each child listed on the passenger transportation checklist who was not present on the vehicle for any reason. An explanation shall be documented in writing whenever a child is transported to a field trip site but is not present on the return trip to the Center.

During an investigation, it was determined that on August 7, 2024, the staff member completed the transportation checklist, but failed to account for each child as they exited the vehicle, which resulted in a seven-year-old child being left unsupervised on the vehicle for 21 minutes. The child fell asleep on the vehicle during transit. The child exited the vehicle on their own and entered the center.

591-1-1-.36(7)(c)2 · Correction status not published

Rule 591-1-1-.36(7)(d)1. requires that the first check be conducted immediately upon unloading the last child at any location including, but not limited to, a field trip destination, arrival at the Center, and the last stop during transportation to home or school. The responsible person on the vehicle shall physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle’s interior; sign the passenger transportation checklist (s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle; and give the passenger transportation checklist(s) to the second designated Staff person.

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 closure, it was determined that on October 9, 2023, a one-year-old child was not properly supervised. While in the classroom during free play, the one-year-old child sustained a swollen and bruised right hand due to the hand being closed and caught in the door frame. Based on video footage, the one-year-old child’s hand was caught in the door as the parent attempted to enter the classroom. The staff member did not redirect the one-year-old child to move away from the door when the door was being closed. Medical attention was obtained.

591-1-1-.32(7) · Correction status not published

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.

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.

It was determined based on an investigation that on June 29, 2021, at approximately 10:10 a.m., a three-year-old child exited the back gate of the playground. The staff member noticed that the child was missing approximately one minute later. Center staff searched for the child in the center and on the playground. The child crossed a two-lane road and walked into a Dollar General store approximately 0.2 miles away from the center. The child went straight to the toy section. A bystander followed the child into the store and discussed the incident with the Dollar Store manager. The store manager took the child to the office while the bystander went to center to notify center staff of the child's whereabouts. The child was returned to the center at approximately 10:20 a.m.

591-1-1-.32(7) · Correction status not published

Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four-foot- high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.