Ariz. Admin. Code § 21-7-221

Current through Register Vol. 31, No. 2, January 10, 2025

Section R21-7-221 - Educational and Vocational Programs

A. The licensee shall have a written policy governing its educational program or a plan for ensuring that each child in care attends an educational program in accordance with state and local laws. The licensee shall have at least one designated person to oversee compliance with the policy.

B. Upon a child in care's admission to a facility, the licensee shall arrange for the educational needs of the child. The arrangements shall:

1. Meet the child's individual needs;

2. Be consistent with the child's IEP, if applicable; and

3. Comply with federal and state education laws.

C. The licensee shall inform the child in care's educational program staff which of the licensee's staff is authorized to discuss the child's progress.

D. If a child in care's service plan provides for the child to receive vocational services, the licensee shall comply with the plan requirements.

E. The licensee shall provide a child in care with:

1. Opportunity and space for quiet study,

2. Developmentally appropriate supervision and assistance with homework, and

3. Access to necessary reference materials including access to resources found on the internet.

F. The licensee shall communicate developmental and educational progress and challenges, including any noted developmental delays, to the Child Safety Worker, Placing Entity, or if there is no Placing Entity, the parent or guardian.

G. The licensee shall work with the Child Safety Worker, Placing Entity, or if there is no Placing Entity, the parent or guardian, and surrogate parent if identified, to determine educational needs beyond those provided in the school setting and make reasonable efforts to obtain these educational services that are available.

H. The licensee shall:

1. Enroll the child in care in school within 10 local school days if a change in school is needed. If not placed during the school year, then as soon as possible;

2. Ensure school attendance for a child in care;

3. Ensure the child in care completes homework;

4. Schedule appointments, visitations, and other activities during hours that do not interfere with school;

5. Participate in parent-teacher conferences, IEP, and 504 plan meetings, as appropriate;

6. Allow a child in care to participate in extracurricular activities; and

7. Obtain required supplies to complete assignments and participate in extracurricular activities.

I. The licensee may use developmentally appropriate chores to provide an instructional experience for a child in care, but shall not:

1. Use the child as an unpaid substitute for staff or other contracted personnel;

2. Schedule at a time that interferes with other routine activities such as school, homework, sleep, and meals; and

3. Assign chores that are excessive in scope and duration.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-7-221

New Section made by final rulemaking at 29 A.A.R. 2231, effective 11/6/2023.