In center-based programs, staff shall position themselves to: (1) Be able to hear all children younger than school age at all times, continuously scan the entire environment to know where children are and what they are doing, and be able to physically respond immediately; (2) Know the whereabouts and activities of all school age children in their care at all times when children are briefly out of sight, such as when transitioning from one area to another or using the bathroom, and shall be able to physically respond immediately; (3) Allow for visual supervision of all children while children are eating, and shall be able to physically respond immediately to any child that may be choking; and (4) Know the number of and identity of children in their care.
Program staff self-reported that a child was left unsupervised in a classroom for approximately three to four minutes. Staff A, B, and C confirmed Child A was left in their classroom without adult supervision for approximately three to four minutes as their class went outside to the playground. Corrective action: A root cause analysis and assessment of risk of the situation was completed and the following will be implemented and/or reviewed: Wait until the next scheduled staff arrive for the day, before going outside (7:45am) so that there are at least three to four people assisting the classroom with transition. Ensure that all children are accounted for by double checking both numbers on the visual number board and the clipboard and making sure they match before they leave the room. When children are in line, use the clipboard sign-in to verbally say a child’s name and also touch their head as the name is said. The entire room will be scanned by a staff member before the group exits the classroom. Children will be counted as they exit the building and then again as they cross the gate into the playground. Staff will review CAPHR Child Development Active Supervision Protocols and have a follow-up meeting with their supervisor regarding these protocols and implementation of the corrective action.