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 November 6, 2024, a five-year-old child was injured in care and staff were not aware that the injury had occurred. A five-year-old child engaged in a tussle with a peer over an item. The child became upset and banged their head on the classroom furniture, a door frame, and another child. The staff members did not see the child as they cleaned the classroom and tended to the other children. The child left for elementary school, where school staff emailed the parent about the bruise upon the child’s arrival. Upon returning to the childcare center at 2:00 p.m., staff observed the bruise had become more swollen. The parent was notified of the child’s injury. The child was taken to receive professional medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion. Staff were unaware that a five-year-old child had hit their head on multiple objects throughout the classroom, sustaining a large knot on the forehead.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record