Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.29

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024
Rule 441-118.29 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 3 school-aged only programs

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

(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) If exempt from CACFP or NSLP, the program shall identify and implement two nutrition goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.
1. Programs providing adequate documentation that they provide care for four hours a day or less are exempt from the CACFP or NSLP participation requirement.
2. Nonprofit programs shall qualify for an exemption from the CACFP or NSLP requirement if they provide adequate documentation that meets one of the following criteria:

* The percentage of children enrolled in the program qualifying for free or reduced meals is five percent or less.

* The program's licensed capacity is 30 children or fewer.

* The program serves two or fewer meals or snacks per day.

* The program is open and operating three days a week or less.

3. For-profit programs shall qualify for an exemption from the CACFP or NSLP requirement if they are able to provide adequate documentation that the percentage of children enrolled in the program qualifying for free or reduced meals is 25 percent or less.
b. The program shall identify and implement two physical activity goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.
(2)Professional development. All staff shall complete ten or more annual training hours of professional development.
(3)Family and community partnerships.
a. The program shall promote culturally sensitive practices and procedures.
b. The program shall complete three activities annually that promote partnerships.
(4)Teaching and learning.
a. Program staff shall utilize an appropriate tool throughout the year to gather information about children's strengths, progress, and needs.
b. The program shall share community resources with families as needed based on the information gathered.
c. The program shall develop and implement policies and procedures for inclusive practices for children with diverse needs, including those with identified disabilities, language barriers, identified behavioral needs, or specialized health needs.
(5)Environment.
a. The on-site supervisor shall complete the SACERS training series and provide a certificate of completion.
b. The program shall participate in the completion of the health and safety checklist for early care and education programs.
(6)Leadership and administration.
a. The program administrator shall complete:
(1) NAC or another department-approved credential, or
(2) Thirty training hours or more in a related field and ten training hours or more in leadership.
b. The program administrator shall have three years or more of full-time experience working in the field or one year or more of full-time experience as a program administrator.
c. The on-site supervisor shall have 30 training hours or more in a related field and two years or more of full-time experience working in the field.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.29

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