591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires 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 September 18, 2024, a child was not adequately supervised when a 3-year-old walked out of the building and walked across campus to another building. During naptime, the child got off of their cot and exited the classroom without staff knowledge. The child then exited the childcare center and walked unattended across campus to another building where their parent worked. Meanwhile, staff noticed the classroom door was ajar and saw the child’s cot was empty. They realized the 3-year-old child was missing and began searching for the child. Upon arrival at their parent’s office building, the child knocked on the door and was brought inside by an employee, who took the child to their parent. The parent walked toward the center where they met center employees as they searched the campus for the child. The parent returned to their building and allowed the child to remain with them during naptime in order to avoid waking children in the classroom. Following nap, the child returned to the classroom for the remainder of the day. The child was missing for approximately 10 minutes.