Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.22

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024

Rule 441-118.22 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 2 child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school

To be rated at a Level 2, an eligible facility must satisfy all of the criteria in each of the seven designated categories listed in Levels 1 and 2 or complete all of the criteria designated in its respective specialized tracks for Levels 1 and 2.

(1)Nutrition and physical activity.

a. The program shall choose one of the following:

(1) The program shall actively participate in CACFP, NSLP, or another department-approved CNP.

(2) The program shall complete all of the following as applicable to ages served:

1. Program staff and their supervisor planning the menu shall complete the CACFP Steps to Success module 2 lessons as identified by the department that cover the CACFP meal pattern.

2. Infant lead teachers and their supervisor shall complete the video "CACFP Child Care Center Infant Staff Training" or Iowa CACFP Infant Training-Steps to Success module 15, parts as identified by the department.

3. All lead teachers and their supervisors responsible for mealtime supervision shall complete the video "CACFP Child Care Center Staff Training" or the Iowa CACFP Wellness module-Meaningful Mealtimes.

b. The program shall identify and implement one physical activity goal from the completed action plan in Level 1.

(2)Professional development.

a. All staff who administer medication shall complete the Medication Administration Skills Competency Course or other training as approved by the department and hold a valid certification of completion.

b. All staff who administer medication shall also successfully complete a competency skills evaluation assessment checklist or department-approved equivalent and hold a valid certification of completion. There shall be one person who meets these criteria present on site in the program at all times.

c. All teaching staff shall complete ten annual training hours of professional development.

(3)Family and community partnerships.

a. The program shall offer one conference with each family per year to discuss each child's progress, strengths, and needs in all developmental areas.

b. Programs shall share child assessment information with the child's family.

c. The program shall complete two activities annually that promote partnerships.

(4)Teaching staff qualifications. All lead teachers shall meet Tier 1, step 1 of 40 hours of training toward a CDA or shall meet a higher tier qualification on the Iowa early care and education teaching roles career pathway.

(5)Teaching and learning.

a. The program shall use a curriculum that is aligned with the Iowa early learning standards, addresses the multiple domain areas, and is specific to the ages of the children the program serves.

b. The program shall develop and implement a policy that eliminates or severely limits expulsion, suspension, and punitive or other exclusionary discipline.

c. The program shall develop and implement policies regarding the use of an approved developmental screening tool for all children within 60 days of enrollment and at least annually to identify children who may need additional evaluation and intervention strategies.

(6)Environment.

a. The program administrator or assistant administrator shall complete an ERS training, choosing between ITERS, ECERS or SACERS, and provide a certificate of completion.

b. The program shall provide an environment supportive to, and encouraging of, culture, age, race, ability, special needs, and gender diversity.

c. The program shall develop and implement a tobacco-free and nicotine-free policy aligned to the Iowa department of public health's policy guidelines.

(7)Leadership and administration.

a. The program administrator shall complete and annually update Form 470-5679: IQ4K Quality Improvement Action Plan.

b. All staff shall receive a written evaluation at least once a year.

c. The program administrator shall have at least two years of full-time experience working in the field.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.22

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