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25 | On 10/5/21 @ 3:20 p.m. Licensing Program Analyst, Joelle Redding, made an unannounced visit to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 9/9/21 wherein a 4 year old child (Child #1) fell from the jungle gym stairs, sustaining a fractured arm.
LPA spoke with the Director and Staff #1. Child #1 had already gone home for the day. The jungle gym and the playground area where the incident occurred was inspected. During the time of the incident there was one teachers and five children outside. Child #1 and two other children were atop the play structure with Child #1 closest to the stairs. There were two other children playing around the base of the structure. Staff #1 was sitting on the bench, facing the children and the play structure, approximately 10 feet away. She turned away momentarily to talk to one of the children who was at the base of the structure and heard Child #1 fall. She immediately responded, called for her co-teacher, who was in the restroom with three other children, to assist. Child #1 was escorted to the office where ice was applied and her parents were called for pick up. When asked, Child #1 simply stated that she fell.
The stairs to the play structure are narrow and do not have a railing. There are no markings on this structure to indicate the manufacturer's age limitation, however the monkey bars are low and on other side there is a low climbing wall. This structure was present at licensure and there have been no alterations. No prior incidents have occurred. The cushioning around the structure is the compacted foam that is normally seen on school playgrounds and isn't particularly giving to the touch as this type of cushioning can sometimes get more firm over time. Since the incident, teachers have been instructed to provide extra supervision in this area and the stairs were marked with arrows going up to remind children not to climb down. Additional measures are being discussed to further safeguard this area to prevent future occurrences.
Supervision was in place, ratios were met, the facility reported timely and staff responded appropriately. No deficiencies are cited today. Notice of Site Visit was given and will remain posted for 30 days. |