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 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 investigation, it was determined that on November 1, 2024, at 10:36 a.m. a staff member entered the classroom and walked to the classroom door where a two-year-old child was standing in front of the door on the opposite side of the door. The two-year-old child placed their finger in the door jamb near the hinges of door, the child’s thumb was closed in the door by the staff member. There were two staff members on the playground with the children who did not redirect the child away from the door. According to video footage, the staff member did not observe the two-year-old child standing next to the door at the time of the incident. The staff member responded immediately when the two-year-old’s child was in distress and when they heard the child crying. The staff member was able to free the two-year-old child’s thumb from the door and an ice pack was provided for the child’s injury. The child’s parent was notified of the incident and the child required professional medical attention because of the incident. According to evidence it was determined that staff were not alert and failed to redirect a two-year-old away from the door when a two-year-old child's finger was closed in a door.