Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.21

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024

Rule 441-118.21 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 1 child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school

To be rated at a Level 1, an eligible facility must satisfy all of the criteria in each of the seven designated categories listed in Level 1 or complete all of the criteria designated in its respective specialized tracks.

(1)Nutrition and physical activity.

a. All staff members who prepare meals shall complete one of the department-approved food safety trainings.

b. A self-assessment and action plan in the area of nutrition shall be completed for an eligible facility.

c. A self-assessment and action plan in the area of physical activity shall be completed for an eligible facility.

(2)Professional development.

a. All staff shall complete a professional development plan within six months of each person's hiring date and update the plan annually.

b. All staff shall complete one of the department-identified new staff orientation courses and must provide a valid certificate of completion. Newly hired staff shall have nine months from date of hire to complete this requirement.

(3)Family and community partnerships.

a. The program shall provide an orientation for new families.

b. The program shall complete one annual activity that promotes partnerships.

(4)Teaching staff qualifications. All lead teachers shall show participation in Tier 1 training or meet a higher tier qualification on the Iowa early care and education teaching roles career pathway within six months of starting employment.

(5)Teaching and learning.

a. The program administrator and at least one lead teacher shall complete two hours of training on the Iowa early learning standards.

b. The program shall develop and implement a comprehensive discipline and behavior policy that promotes positive relationships.

(6)Environment.

a. The program shall develop and implement, as applicable to ages served, the following policies aligned to CFOC:

(1) Supervision.

(2) Safe sleep.

(3) Playground equipment stability and fall surfacing and inspection.

(4) Missing child.

(5) Strangulation prevention.

(6) Sign in and out tracking system for children and visitors.

b. The program shall submit one of the following annually:

(1) Form 470-5676: IQ4K Interaction and Relationship Self-Assessment, which shall be completed by teaching staff.

(2) CLASS assessment for the age level being served completed for each classroom by a trained observer.

(3) Teaching pyramid observation tool (TPOT) or teacher pyramid infant toddler observation scale (TPITOS) assessment tools for infants and toddlers completed for each classroom by a trained observer.

(7)Leadership and administration.

a. All staff shall complete Form 470-5680: IQ4K Staff Self-Assessment annually.

b. The program administrator shall complete Form 470-5677: IQ4K Program Assessment annually.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.21

Adopted by IAB April 6, 2022/Volume XLIV, Number 20, effective 6/1/2022