Inspection · 2024-01-05

Based on staff interviews, staff were not trained in procedures for action in case of lost or missing children and general emergencies. Staff 1 stated that she was not aware of the procedure for a lost or missing child at the YMCA branch. Staff 1 contacted YMCA branch staff to assist with emergency protocol. Staff 4 stated that there was no site specific orientation on emergency preparedness.

Based on review of video footage and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: The following was determined from review of video footage recorded by the center on January 2, 2024:
1. At approximately 10:42 a.m., Child 1 (age 6 years with special needs) leaves the gym alone, without staff supervision. At 10:44, the child is upstairs alone, attempting to open several locked doors. The child opened a janitor?s closet that leads to the outdoors. At 10:51 a.m., the child is walking along the windows outside of the indoor pool area. At 10:52 a.m., Child 1 is at the front of the building; at 10:54 a.m. the child is walking along the fence of the soccer field and across Parker Lane, a side street. On Parker Lane, which has a speed limit of 25 mph, a car drives by, narrowly missing the child. At 10:54 a.m., Child 1 goes into a business on Parker Lane.
2. According to interviews, at 11:05 a.m., Child 2 asked staff the whereabouts of Child 1. Staff 2 conducted a head count and realized Child 1 was missing. Staff 2 told management, who then alerted the Y branch staff that a child was missing from the childcare program. Center staff and YMCA branch staff began looking for the child.
3. Law enforcement received a call from a local business regarding a child alone at their door. The police report shows that Staff 3 contacted the police at 11:38 a.m. Law enforcement reunited the child to center staff at approximately 11:40 a.m.

Based on interviews and a review of documentation, the facility failed to ensure children under the age of 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: At approximately 10:42 a.m. on 1/02/2024, Child 1 left the gym alone, without staff supervision. Law enforcement reunited the child with center staff at approximately 11:40 a.m. It is estimated that the child was out of sight and sound supervision of staff for at approximately one hour.

Based on staff interviews and documentation review, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the maximum group size limitations for children 3 years old up to school age eligible is a maximum group size of 30 children. When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the group size applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply to the entire group.
1. On 1/2/2024, there were 36 pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade children (ages 4 through 6 years) and 4 staff members in one group. There was one lead teacher in charge of all 36 children in the group.
2. Staff members confirmed that the grouping with 36 children is one large group and exceeded the maximum group size of 30 children.
3. Staff 2 and Staff 5 suggested to Staff 1 that the group be split up because it was too large.

Based on interviews with staff and review of supervision policies, the facility failed to follow the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence:
1. The center's ?supervision? policy states ?Staff may never leave a child unsupervised! Staff are expected to maintain sight and sound supervision of all children in their care at all times, and to have an accurate count of the number of students in their group?.
2. The ?attendance? policy states to ?Complete a FACE count before leaving a room, while in the hallway, upon arrival in a location and every 5-7 minutes?.
3. The ?lost/missing child? policy states ?After 10 minutes, the director will notify parents and police if child is not found.?
4. On 1/2/2024, a child was out of sight and sound supervision for over an hour. Staff stated they did not conduct headcounts every 5 to 7 minutes, per policy. The police were not notified for 33 minutes after site management knew the child could not be located. The parent was notified an hour later.

Based on interviews, the facility failed to notify the parent immediately if a child is lost. Evidence: Child 1 left the group at approximately 10:42. Management was alerted that the child was missing at approximately 11:05 a.m. Staff 2 contacted the parent at approximately 11:52 p.m. to let the parent know the child had been missing and was found.