Mother says more supervision needed after son breaks bone at day care

PITTSBURGH — A mother contacted Channel 11 News after she said a lack of supervision at her 5-year-old son’s day care led to him suffering a broken bone.

Brandee Rabinek said her son was rushed to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Friday for his injury, but it wasn’t his first time being injured at Brightside Academy in Pittsburgh.

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"I didn't even say much at the day care. I was literally just shaking,” Rabinek said.

She told Channel 11 that her son was taken to the hospital after he fell and broke his shoulder while at the day care.

“It's basically hanging on by a thread,” she said.

Rabinek shared the X-rays of her son’s broken bone with Channel 11.

"He said the little boy he was jumping on the couch with pushed him from behind, and he fell and hit his shoulder off the carpeted area,” she said.

Rabinek also shared the injury report given to her by the day care, documenting Friday’s incident. However, she said her son had gotten hurt there many times before.

“I have about 20 instances since he started there. I do like the staff, but clearly there's a lack of supervision. Clearly, they are understaffed,” she said.

When reached for comment, the director of Brightside academy told Channel 11, “We are aware of the incident, and I can tell you it’s under investigation.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state requires one staffer for every 10 children, and children must be supervised by a staff person at all times.

DHS officials told Channel 11 News last Tuesday afternoon that they are officially investigating Rabinek’s concerns.

“The regional office is currently conducting an investigation regarding regulatory noncompliance at the facility,” DHS officials said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rabinek’s 5-year-old son has to wear a shoulder brace for six weeks – his entire summer vacation.

Rabinek also said she has since taken all three of her children out of the Brightside Academy day care.

WPXI