Section 281.16.13. Accountability requirements.

An approved local program shall meet the program requirements for increased school readiness specified in rule 281—16.3(256C). The program requirements are minimum standards. The department encourages approved local programs to exceed the minimum standards as programs work toward ongoing improvement.

       16.13(1) Annual reports. Each approved local program shall provide on forms provided by the department an annual report to the department regarding program requirements. Failure to submit an annual report by the date specified therein shall result in suspension of financial payments to the applicant until such time as the report is received by the department.

       16.13(2) Performance measures. The approved local program shall collect data on all of the following:

        a.           The number of eligible children participating in the preschool program.

        b.           The number of eligible children participating in a program that meets the requirements of NAEYC, Head Start, or Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Criteria.

        c.           The curriculum.

        d.           The assessment as defined in rule 281—16.2(256C).

        e.           The number of teachers.

        f.            The kindergarten literacy assessment as defined in Iowa Code section 279.60.

       16.13(3) Noncompliance with program requirements. If the department determines that a participating district does not meet one or more of the accountability requirements provided in rule 281—16.3(256C), the department shall inform the school district of appropriate actions that shall be taken by the school district. The school district shall submit an action plan that is approved by the department and contains reasonable timelines for coming into compliance. The department shall facilitate technical assistance when requested. If the department determines that the school district is not taking the necessary actions in a timely manner, the director of the department may terminate the school district’s contract as provided in subrule 16.8(2), second unnumbered paragraph. Until such time as the school district’s contract is terminated, the school district may continue to participate in the statewide voluntary preschool program.

[ARC 7787B, IAB 5/20/09, effective 6/24/09]