Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.23

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 441-118.23 - Criteria for IQ4K-Level 3 child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school

To be rated at a Level 3, an eligible facility must satisfy all of the criteria in each of the seven 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 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 or less.

* 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 teaching staff shall complete ten 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 staff qualifications. The average score for all lead teachers shall be three points or more on the IQ4K teaching staff qualifications worksheet.

(5)Teaching and learning.

a. The program shall utilize an appropriate assessment tool throughout the year that aligns with the curriculum to gather information on each child's strengths, progress, and needs.

b. The program shall share community resources with families as needed based on the information gathered from the child's assessment.

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.

(6)Environment.

a. Thirty 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. The program shall participate in the completion of the health and safety checklist for early care and education programs.

c. The program shall develop and implement a policy regarding oral health aligned with CFOC.

(7)Leadership and administration.

a. The program administrator shall complete one of the following:

(1) NAC or another DHS-approved credential.

(2) Thirty training hours (or more) in early childhood and ten training hours or more in leadership, administration, or management.

b. The program administrator shall have one of the following:

(1) Three years or more of full-time experience working in the field.

(2) One year or more full-time experience as a program administrator.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-118.23

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