Incident investigation·August 26, 2021

On 8/26/21 @ 10:30 a.m. , Licensing Program Analysts, Joelle Redding and Leandra Dolliole, made an unannounced visit to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 8/3/21, wherein a child (Child #1) fell on off a play tunnel on the playground, sustaining a fracture to the elbow. LPAs spoke with Director and Staff #1 who observed and responded to the incident. The group of 8 children had just come out to the playground for the afternoon. There were two staff present. Staff #1 was facing the play area and called out to the children to come over to her so that they could participate in a dance/music activity. She noticed that Child #1 was sitting on the top of the play tunnel and slid sideways. Staff #1 walked over and found her sitting on the ground beside the tunnel. She asked if she was hurt and Child #1 started crying. Staff #1 redirected her to sit down in the shade, assessed her for injury and, per Child #1, determined that she injured her arm in the elbow area. Ice was applied and the arm was immobilized with a gauze sling. The child's parent was already on the way to pick up for the day and arrived approximately 15 minutes after the incident. She was taken to the doctor for follow up and eventually the arm was placed in a cast. She has since moved on to a kindergarten program for the new school year. LPA's observed and inspected the area where the incident occurred. The cushioning is formed rubber woodchips and was sufficient and in good repair around the play structure. The facility was in ratio with 2 staff to 8 children and Staff #1 was directly observing the child when the incident occurred. Director stated that they sit down with the children and have periodic discussions as to how the equipment is to be used safely. Redirecting the older children seems to be a constant. No deficiencies are cited.