Section 281.16.3. Preschool program standards.

Approved program standards include Head Start Program Performance Standards, Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Criteria, or the National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria. All approved local preschool programs shall adopt preschool program standards and, in addition, shall meet the following requirements:

       16.3(1) Personnel. A minimum of one teacher shall be present with eligible children during the voluntary preschool program instructional time.

       16.3(2) Ratio of staff to children. There must be at least one teacher present in a classroom during the instructional time described in subrule 16.3(4). A minimum of one staff member and one teacher shall be present when 11 to 20 children are present. Staff members and teachers shall have reasonable line-of-sight supervision of all children.

       16.3(3) Maximum class size. There shall be no more than 20 children per classroom.

       16.3(4) Instructional time. Eligible children shall receive from the teacher at least ten hours per week of intentional instruction individualized to meet the needs of the child and directly related to the program’s curriculum, such time to be exclusive of recess.

       16.3(5) Child learning standards. The preschool program shall demonstrate how the curriculum, assessment, staff development, and instructional strategies are aligned to the Iowa Early Learning Standards. The teacher shall provide instruction on the skills and knowledge included in the Iowa Early Learning Standards.

       16.3(6) Curriculum. The preschool program shall adopt a research-based or evidence-based curriculum.

       16.3(7) Assessment. The preschool program shall adopt a research-based or evidence-based assessment to provide information on children’s learning and development.

       16.3(8) Staff development. The district shall make available to any teacher of a statewide voluntary preschool program who is not employed by the district staff development that the district offers to the district’s personnel to maintain the skills appropriate to the teacher’s role. Career development for school district preschool teachers shall be addressed in the school district’s career development plan implemented in accordance with Iowa Code section 284.6. The school district shall ensure that staff members for the program are provided appropriate staff development in early childhood education.

       16.3(9) Space. The preschool program shall provide adequate and appropriate space and facilities in accordance with program standards.

       16.3(10) Materials. The preschool program shall provide instructional materials and supplies consistent with the program standards and Iowa Early Learning Standards.

       16.3(11) Meals. The preschool program shall provide adequate and appropriate meals or snacks in accordance with program standards.

       16.3(12) Parent involvement. The preschool program shall involve families through at least one home visit by the licensed teacher of the child, one family night, and at least two family-teacher conferences per year. Family involvement may include volunteering in the classroom, orientation to the preschool program, parent education, general communications, or other activities.

       16.3(13) Integration of other preschool programs. The preschool program shall make provisions for the integration of children from other state and federally funded preschool programs including Head Start, IDEA, Title I, shared visions, and community empowerment.

       16.3(14) Comprehensive services. The preschool program may collaborate with other agencies for the provision of the following:

        a.           Quality, developmentally appropriate early learning experiences;

        b.           Extended day child care;

        c.           Transportation;

        d.           Developmental screening, including health, hearing, and vision screening;

        e.           Referral to other agencies providing health insurance, health care, immunizations, nutrition services, and mental health and oral health services; and

        f.            Family education and support.

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