Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.31

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024
Rule 441-118.31 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 5 school-aged only programs
(1)Criteria for each category. To be rated at a Level 5, an eligible facility must satisfy all of the criteria in each of the six designated categories listed in Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or complete all of the criteria designated in its respective specialized tracks for Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. To be rated at a Level 5, an eligible facility must also meet the following criteria:
a.Minimum score. The facility must earn a minimum score of 5.0 in each assessed classroom on the SACERS assessment.
b.Approved assessor. An assessor approved by the department or department's designee must perform the ERS assessment.
c.Number of classrooms assessed. At least one-third of the facility's classrooms must be assessed, including at least one classroom in each age group served by the facility.
d.Time frame for assessment. Programs eligible for an ERS assessment must undergo their assessment within 90 days of department approval unless an extension is requested and approved by the department.
e.Assessments not done timely. Programs that do not undergo their assessment within 90 days of approval by the department or do not receive an approved extension from the department shall forfeit their opportunity for an assessment and will be awarded an IQ4K Level 4 rating with an effective date as outlined in rule 441-118.11(237A).
(2)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 two nutrition goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.
(2) If exempt from CACFP or NSLP, the program shall identify and implement four nutrition goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.
b. The program shall identify and implement four physical activity goals from the completed action plan in Level 1.
(3)Professional development.
a. All staff shall complete 12 or more annual training hours of professional development.
b. Sixty percent or more of all staff shall complete six or more hours of department-approved or IQ4K-approved training in the area of SEBMH.
(4)Family and community partnerships. The program shall complete five activities annually that promote partnerships.
(5)Teaching and learning. The teaching staff shall work with families and other experts to implement instructional and environmental adaptations that support the learning for each child including those with diverse needs, language barriers, identified behavioral needs, or specialized health needs.
(6)Environment.
a. Eighty percent or more of lead teachers shall complete the SACERS training series and provide a certificate of completion.
b. One-third of classrooms shall receive an overall score of 5.0 or higher on the SACERS assessment with a minimum of one classroom per scale if applicable.
c. The program shall score an average of 2.75 or higher on the health and safety checklist for early care and education.
(7)Leadership and administration.
a. The program administrator shall have 9 or more credit hours in a related field and 12 or more training hours in leadership, administration or management.
b. The program administrator shall have three or more years of full-time experience as a program administrator.
c. The on-site supervisor shall have six or more credit hours in a related field and two or more years of full-time experience as an on-site supervisor.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.31

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