Section 32A-23-4 - Early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs; interagency cooperation; contracts; contract monitoring; researchA. The department shall develop and implement an early pre-kindergarten program and a pre-kindergarten program. The department may transfer funds to the public education department for an approved public provider or may contract with any other eligible provider for the delivery of early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten program services.B. The department shall establish standards and performance measures for the early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs to ensure the delivery of high-quality, effective services that prepare participating children for kindergarten. The department and the public education department shall cooperate to align standards for early pre-kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. Those departments shall enter into an agreement to share data necessary to report on the early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs' performance, including the percentage of program participants who: (1) enter kindergarten: (a) developmentally prepared for it;(b) needing special services; and(c) proficient in reading and mathematics; and(2) are retained in kindergarten or first, second or third grade.C. The department shall coordinate with federal head start agencies to avoid duplication of effort and maximize the use of available resources in the implementation of the early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs.D. The department shall promulgate rules on pre-kindergarten program services, including state policies and standards defining length of service for pre-kindergarten and early pre-kindergarten programs, and shall review the process for making contract awards and for the expenditure and use of contract funds.E. The department shall monitor activity under early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten program contracts to ensure adherence to child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices and outcomes. The department shall provide early childhood training and technical assistance to contract award recipients.F. Each year, the department shall provide an annual report to the governor and the legislature on the early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs.Amended by 2019, c. 48,s. 21, eff. 7/1/2020.