Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.24

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

Rule 441-118.24 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 4 child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school

To be rated at a Level 4, an eligible facility must satisfy all of the criteria in each of the seven designated categories listed in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 or complete all of the criteria designated in its respective specialized tracks for Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

(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 and shall identify and implement one nutrition goal from the completed action plan in Level 1.

(2) If exempt from CACFP or NSLP, the program shall identify and implement three nutrition goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.

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

(2)Professional development.

a. All teaching staff shall complete 12 annual hours or more of professional development.

b. Sixty percent or more of all lead teachers shall complete the applicable EC-PBIS trainings based on age groups served.

(1) EC-PBIS Preschool modules 1 and 2.

(2) EC-PBIS Infant and Toddler modules 1 and 2.

(3)Family and community partnerships. The program shall complete four activities annually that promote partnerships.

(4)Teaching staff qualifications. The average score for all teaching staff shall be four points or more on the IQ4K teaching staff qualification worksheet.

(5)Teaching and learning.

a. The teaching staff shall use assessment data and information gathered about children and families to make changes in their learning environment and activities.

b. The teaching staff shall participate in planning with families and outside experts, as needed, for children with diverse needs, including those with identified disabilities, language barriers, identified behavioral needs, and specialized health needs.

(6)Environment.

a. Sixty percent or more of lead teachers shall complete an appropriate ERS training choosing between ITERS, ECERS or SACERS as applicable to ages served, and provide a certificate of completion.

b. One-third of all classrooms shall complete the ERS scoresheet with self-assessment and improvement plan using a minimum of one classroom per scale, if applicable.

c. The program shall score an average of 2.5 or higher on the health and safety checklist for early care and education.

(7)Leadership and administration.

a. The program administrator shall meet Tier 1 or higher on the Iowa early care and education program administrator roles career pathway.

b. The program administrator shall have two or more years of full-time experience as a program administrator.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.24

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