Md. Code Regs. 13A.06.02.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 13A.06.02.05 - Local School System Responsibilities

A local school system shall:

A. A local school system shall:

(1) Develop and maintain a policy for determining the eligibility and selection of prekindergarten sites as well as the eligibility of 4-year-old students for prekindergarten programs consistent with the requirements of this chapter;

(2) Develop criteria in reference to Regulation .03B and C of this chapter that establishes procedures to include children in the prekindergarten program who are not eligible under Regulation .03A of this chapter;

(3) Operate the prekindergarten educational program 5 days per week for a minimum of 2.5 hours per day consistent with the school calendar approved by the local board;

(4) Analyze the Department-approved kindergarten assessment system information described in COMAR 13A.08.01.02C -3 to evaluate the effectiveness of the prekindergarten program, and make necessary adjustments to the prekindergarten instructional program;

(5) Provide data in the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan needs assessment to indicate progress on prekindergarten program goals;

(6) Provide staffing for each session of prekindergarten to include a teacher who possesses a current State professional certificate in early childhood education and a para-professional with a minimum of a high school diploma, or its equivalent, or a CDA;

(7) Align each prekindergarten program with the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum;

(8) Based on the September 30 enrollment count, maintain an average staff to student ratio of 1:10 with an average of 20 students per classroom; and

(9) Provide responses to Department requests for information and data related to the operation of the prekindergarten program.

B. A qualified vendor shall:

(1) Maintain State or national early childhood program accreditation;

(2) Have the capacity to meet the responsibilities identified in this regulation;

(3) Be licensed to operate a child care center pursuant to COMAR 13A.16; and

(4) Provide responses to Department requests for information and data related to the operation of the prekindergarten program.

Md. Code Regs. 13A.06.02.05

Regulations .05 adopted effective April 12, 2004 (31:7 Md. R. 585)
Regulation .05 amended effective October 31, 2011 (38:22 Md. R. 1346)