591-1-1-.32(7) · 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 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 March 11, 2024, a staff member was assisting other children in the restroom and did not see a four-year-old child's hand get caught in the restroom door. It was determined by the Department that center staff failed to provide watchful oversight to prevent the incident from occurring. Center staff did not ensure that the staff member was properly positioned to see and respond to the actions of all the children or that there was an appropriate number of staff members present in the hallway to assist with monitoring the other children while the staff member monitored the children in the restroom. The child required professional medical attention.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Open / not marked corrected.