CHAPTER 118
CHILD CARE QUALITY RATING SYSTEM
Preamble
This chapter establishes rules for the child care quality rating system, which is designed for child care programs that primarily serve children between birth and the age of 12. Participation in the quality rating system is voluntary. The chapter includes application procedures and standards for the quality rating.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.1(237A) Definitions.
“Aim4Excellence credential” means the national director credential for early childhood administrators that is administered by the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
“Apprenticeship certificate” means a nationally recognized Child Care Development Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Certificate awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The certificate requires two years of full-time employment with on-the-job training and 288 hours (at least 19 credits) of approved, related college education or training.
“Child care facility” means a licensed child care center, a preschool, or a registered child development home.
“Child care nurse consultant” means a registered nurse licensed in the state of Iowa who has completed training using a nationally approved curriculum for health and safety in child care and early education. The child care nurse consultant provides on-site consultation, technical assistance, and training to child care and early education providers regarding health and safety. The child care nurse consultant is employed by or has a written agreement with the local Title V maternal and child health agency or contracts for service delivery directly through the state-level Title V maternal and child health program administered by the Iowa department of public health, bureau of family health.
“Child development associate credential (CDA)” means a credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition to individuals working in child care settings who demonstrate proficiency in specific competency standards. The credential requires 120 hours of approved training over the past five years.
“ChildNet certification” means verified completion of the 25-hour ChildNet training series in areas specifically designed for child development home providers and completion of the certification process.
“Department” means the department of human services.
“Eligible applicants” means programs meeting the definition of “child care facility” or programs operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
“Environment rating scale” means a child care program assessment instrument (scale) developed through the auspices of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The scale is the measurement tool used by an assessor during an on-site observation of a child care classroom to evaluate and provide a score to a child care program. Scales must be administered by entities approved by the department of human services or the department’s designee. Four scales are available, based on the type of program being assessed:
	1.	Family child care environment rating scale for programs conducted in a provider’s own home for children from infancy through school age.
	2.	Infant/toddler environment rating scale for group programs for children from birth to 2½ years of age.
	3.	Early childhood environment rating scale for group programs for children of preschool through kindergarten age, 2½ to 5 years.
	4.	School-age care environment rating scale for group programs for children of school age, 5 to 12 years.
“Head Start program performance standards” means the standards that define the services that Head Start programs are required to provide to the children and families they serve. The standards constitute the expectations and requirements that Head Start grantees must meet.
“Iowa quality preschool program standards” means standards developed by the Iowa department of education, based on the ten standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation.
“National administrator credential (NAC)” means the 40-hour comprehensive training for child care and education administrators and successful completion of the certification process.
“Staff in the classroom” means staff responsible for care of children in the classroom.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.2(237A) Application for quality rating. Eligible applicants shall apply for a quality rating by submitting the specified application form and any required supporting documentation to the department. Applications for a Level 1 rating will not be accepted from programs that have previously been rated at Level 1.
	118.2(1) Transition period. For the period February 1, 2011, through July 31, 2011, eligible applicants may apply for a quality rating either under this subrule or under subrule 118.2(2).
	a. 	A child care center or preschool applying under this subrule shall complete Form 470-4229, Application for Quality Rating—Center/Preschool. The quality rating will be based on the standards in rule 441—118.3(237A).
	b. 	A child development home applying under this subrule shall complete Form 470-4302, Application for Quality Rating—Child Development Home. The quality rating will be based on the standards in rule 441—118.4(237A).
	118.2(2) Ongoing standards. Until August 1, 2011, eligible applicants have the choice of applying under this subrule or under subrule 118.2(1). Effective August 1, 2011, all eligible applicants must apply for a quality rating under this subrule.
	a. 	A child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school applying under this subrule shall complete Form 470-4902, Quality Rating System Application for Licensed Centers, Preschools, and School-Based Programs. The quality rating will be based on the standards in rule 441—118.5(237A).
	b. 	A child development home applying under this subrule shall complete Form 470-4901, Quality Rating System Application for Child Development Homes. The quality rating will be based on the standards in rule 441—118.6(237A).
	118.2(3) Change in location of facility. If the location of a rated program changes, the program must notify the department and complete a new application form as specified in subrule 118.2(1) or 118.2(2). The department shall make a new determination of the appropriate rating.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.3(237A) Rating standards for child care centers and preschools (sunsetting on July 31, 2011). For applications submitted under subrule 118.2(1), to participate in the quality rating system, a child care center or preschool shall certify that its facility meets the applicable criteria as defined in subrule 118.3(1).
	118.3(1) Criteria. Criteria for each rating level are defined as follows.
	a. 	Level 1. To be rated at Level 1, a facility must either:
	(1)	Have a full or provisional license from the department of human services with no action pending to revoke or deny the license; or
	(2)	Operate under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
	b. 	Level 2. To be rated at Level 2, a facility must meet the following criteria:
	(1)	The facility must have a full license from the department of human services with no action pending to revoke or deny the license, or operate under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
	(2)	The facility must complete the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-BPA2006, Child Care Business—Partnership Agreement.
	(3)	The facility must complete the Iowa department of public health’s provider health and safety questionnaire, Form HCCI-CDOS2006, Child Care Center Director/Owner Survey.
	(4)	If eligible, the facility must participate in the child and adult care food program (CACFP), unless children are in attendance less than four hours per day and the program does not serve meals.
	(5)	The facility must have on duty in each room at all times at least one staff member who has completed training in mandatory reporting of child abuse, universal precautions and infectious disease control, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid as specified in 441—subrule 109.7(1) and subparagraphs 109.7(2)“a”(1) and (2).
	(6)	The facility must provide basic orientation for all staff before they begin work.
	(7)	All staff, including the facility’s director, must complete Form 470-4234, Child Care Center Staff Self-Assessment, no more than 12 months before application for quality rating. The director must also complete Form 470-4233, Child Care Center Self-Assessment.
	c. 	Level 3. To be rated at Level 3, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 10 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.3(2) through 118.3(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	d. 	Level 4. To be rated at Level 4, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 18 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.3(2) through 118.3(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	e. 	Level 5. To be rated at Level 5, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 26 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.13(2) through 118.13(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	118.3(2) Professional development. A child care center or preschool may earn a maximum of 12 points in the professional development category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Credential. Two points are awarded if the facility director:
	(1)	Has a current national administrator credential; or
	(2)	Is a school principal licensed by the Iowa board of educational examiners.
	b. 	Related degree. One point is awarded if at least one staff member at the facility has at least a bachelor’s degree in education specific to the age group for whom the person provides care.
	c. 	Education and experience. A facility may earn a maximum of nine points for staff education and experience. Programs may select up to two of the following options:
	(1)	Five points are awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education specific to the age group for whom they provide care.
	(2)	Four points are awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have a minimum of an associate’s degree in education specific to the age group for whom they provide care.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have a minimum of a child development associate credential or apprenticeship certificate.
	(4)	Two points are awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have a minimum of either six college credit hours in education specific to the age group for whom they provide care or have a paraeducator certificate from the Iowa board of educational examiners.
	(5)	Two points are awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have received a minimum of 30 hours of training beyond regulatory requirements in the last 12 months and have at least five years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
	(6)	One point is awarded if at least 50 percent of staff in each classroom have received a minimum of 15 hours of training beyond regulatory requirements in the last 12 months.
	118.3(3) Health and safety. A child care center or preschool may earn a maximum of eight points in the health and safety category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Injury prevention. A facility may earn a maximum of three points for injury prevention. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-IP2006, Injury Prevention Summary Report, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has started the process of making recommended corrections.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	b. 	Child record review. A facility may earn a maximum of two points for child record review. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-CRR2006, Child Record Review, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has worked with the child care nurse consultant to refer families to health care providers.
	c. 	Health and safety assessment. A facility may earn a maximum of three points for health and safety assessment. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-HSA2006, Health and Safety Assessment, during a visit with the child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has developed a plan of action to correct deficiencies.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	118.3(4) Environment. A child care center or preschool may earn a maximum of 11 points in the environment category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Environment rating scale training and self-assessment.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility director or assistant director completes approved training on using the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale to evaluate and improve the facility before outside evaluation.
	(2)	One point is awarded if, after completing training on how to use the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale, the facility director or assistant director completes a self-assessment of at least one-third of the facility’s classrooms, including at least one classroom in each age group served by the facility using the appropriate environment rating scale.
	(3)	One point is awarded if, after completing training on how to use the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale, the facility director or assistant director completes Form 470-4288, Child Care Center Improvement Plan, based on the environment rating scale self-assessment. Form 470-4288 must be completed for each room for which a self-assessment was completed.
	b. 	Environment rating scale. A facility may earn a maximum of three points on the environment rating scale. The facility director or assistant director must complete training on the use of one of the environment rating scales before requesting assessment. An assessor approved by the department of human services or the department’s designee must perform the environment rating assessment. 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. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility receives an average score of 3 on a scale of 7 (with no subscale scores lower than 2) on the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the facility receives an average score of 4 on a scale of 7 (with no subscale scores lower than 2) on the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the facility receives an average score of 5 on a scale of 7 (with no subscale scores lower than 2) on the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale.
	c. 	Iowa quality preschool program standards. A facility may earn a maximum of two points on the Iowa quality preschool program standards. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes training on Iowa quality preschool program standards.
	(2)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa quality preschool program standards self-assessment and develops a quality improvement plan.
	d. 	Accreditation. A facility may earn a maximum of three points for accreditation. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility meets accreditation standards for group or class size from an accrediting body identified in subparagraph (2) that is appropriate to the child care setting.
	(2)	Three points are awarded if the facility is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Afterschool Association, or another accrediting body approved by the department of human services or if a Head Start program demonstrates compliance with Head Start program performance standards.
	118.3(5) Family and community partnerships. A child care center or preschool may earn a maximum of two points in the family and community partnerships category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	One point is awarded if the facility or the facility director is a member of a professional organization specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the facility provides orientation for new parents and holds annual conferences with parents.
	118.3(6) Leadership and administration. A child care center or preschool may earn a maximum of four points in the leadership and administration category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	One point is awarded if the facility completes yearly written evaluations for all staff.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the facility develops and updates Form 470-4235, Child Care Center Improvement Plan, annually.
	c. 	One point is awarded if all staff complete Form 470-4236, Professional Development Plan.
	d. 	One point is awarded if all staff who have direct contact with children have a full, facility-based orientation within four months of beginning employment with the facility.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.4(237A) Rating criteria for child development homes (sunsetting on July 31, 2011). For applications submitted under subrule 118.2(1), to participate in the quality rating system, a child development home provider shall certify that the home meets the applicable criteria as defined in subrule 118.4(1).
	118.4(1) Criteria for each rating level.
	a. 	To be rated at Level 1, the home must be a registered child development home.
	b. 	To be rated at Level 2, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criterion for Level 1:
	(1)	The provider completes and maintains ChildNet certification.
	(2)	The provider participates in the child and adult care food program (CACFP).
	(3)	The provider completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-BPA2006, Child Care Business—Partnership Agreement.
	(4)	The provider completes the Iowa department of public health’s provider health and safety questionnaire, Form HCCI-HDOS2006, Home Child Care Center Director/Owner Survey.
	(5)	The provider completes Form 470-4231, Child Development Home Professional Development Self-Assessment.
	(6)	The provider completes Form 470-4236, Professional Development Plan.
	c. 	To be rated at Level 3, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of seven points from the categories listed in subrules 118.4(2) through 118.4(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	d. 	To be rated at Level 4, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of 12 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.4(2) through 118.4(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	e. 	To be rated at Level 5, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of 16 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.4(2) through 118.4(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	118.4(2) Professional development. A child development home may earn a maximum of six points in the professional development category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Experience and training. A home may earn a maximum of two points for experience and training. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the provider has at least two years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school and 10 hours of additional training per year beyond regulatory requirements.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the provider has at least five years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school and 20 hours of additional training per year beyond regulatory requirements.
	b. 	Education. A home may earn a maximum of four points for education. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	Two points are awarded if the provider has completed an apprenticeship certificate, child development associate credential, or at least nine college credit hours in education specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(2)	Three points are awarded if the provider has completed an associate’s degree in education specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(3)	Four points are awarded if the provider has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in education specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	118.4(3) Health and safety. A child development home may earn a maximum of eight points in the health and safety category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Injury prevention. A home may earn a maximum of three points for injury prevention. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the provider completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-IP2006, Injury Prevention Summary Report, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the provider has started the process of making recommended corrections.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the provider has completed all corrections.
	b. 	Child record review. A home may earn a maximum of two points for child record review. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the provider completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-CRR2006, Child Record Review, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the provider has worked with the child care nurse consultant to refer families to health care providers.
	c. 	Health and safety assessment. A home may earn a maximum of three points in the health and safety assessment category. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the provider completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-HSA2006, Health and Safety Assessment, during a visit with the child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the provider has developed a plan of action to correct deficiencies.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the provider has completed all corrections.
	118.4(4) Environment. A child development home may earn a maximum of eight points in the environment category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Environment rating scale training and self-assessment. A home may earn a maximum of three points for environment rating scale training and self-assessment. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the provider completes approved training on how to use the family day care rating scale to assess the child development home environment.
	(2)	One point is awarded if, after completing training on how to use the family day care rating scale, the provider completes a self-assessment using the family day care rating scale.
	(3)	One point is awarded if, after completing training on how to use the family day care rating scale, the provider completes Form 470-4232, Child Development Home Improvement Plan, based on the family day care rating scale self-assessment.
	b. 	Environment rating scale. A home may earn a maximum of two points on the environment rating scale. An assessor approved by the department of human services or the department’s designee must perform the environment rating assessment. The provider must complete training on the family day care rating scale before requesting assessment. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	One point is awarded if the home receives an average score of 4 on a scale of 7, with no subscale scores lower than 2.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the home receives an average score of 5 on a scale of 7, with no subscale scores lower than 2.
	c. 	Accreditation. Three points are awarded if the home is accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care or another accrediting body approved by the department of human services.
	118.4(5) Family and community partnerships. A child development home may earn a maximum of two points in the family and community partnerships category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	One point is awarded if the provider is a member of a professional organization specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the provider offers an orientation for new parents and holds annual conferences with parents.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.5(237A) Rating standards for child care centers, preschools, and programs operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school. To participate in the quality rating system, a child care center, preschool, or program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school applying under subrule 118.2(2) shall certify that its facility meets the applicable criteria as defined in subrule 118.5(1).
	118.5(1) Criteria. Criteria for each rating level are defined as follows:
	a. 	Level 1. To be rated at Level 1, a facility must either:
	(1)	Have a full or provisional license from the department with no action pending to revoke or deny the license; or
	(2)	Operate under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
	b. 	Level 2. To be rated at Level 2, a facility must meet the following criteria:
	(1)	The facility must have a full license from the department with no action pending to revoke or deny the license or must operate under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school.
	(2)	If eligible, the facility must participate in the child and adult care food program (CACFP), unless children are in attendance less than four hours per day and the program does not serve meals.
	(3)	The facility must have on duty in each room at all times at least one staff member who has completed training in mandatory reporting of child abuse, universal precautions and infectious disease control, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid as specified in 441—subrule 109.7(1) and subparagraphs 109.7(2)“a”(1) and (2).
	(4)	The facility must provide basic orientation for all staff before they begin work.
	(5)	All staff, including the facility’s director, must complete Form 470-4234, Child Care Center Staff Self-Assessment, no more than 12 months before application for quality rating. The director must also complete Form 470-4233, Child Care Center Self-Assessment.
	c. 	Level 3. To be rated at Level 3, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 17 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.5(2) through 118.5(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	d. 	Level 4. To be rated at Level 4, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 27 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.5(2) through 118.5(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	e. 	Level 5. To be rated at Level 5, a facility must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Level 2:
	(1)	The facility must earn a minimum of 34 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.5(2) through 118.5(6).
	(2)	The facility must earn at least one point from each category.
	(3)	The facility must earn a minimum score of 5.0 in each assessed classroom on the appropriate environment rating scale. An assessor approved by the department or the department’s designee must perform the environment rating assessment. 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.
	118.5(2) Professional development. A maximum of 30 points may be earned in the professional development category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Credential. A maximum of five points may be earned in the credential category.
	(1)	Five points are awarded if the facility director has a current national administrator credential or Aim4Excellence credential.
	(2)	Five points are awarded if the facility director is a school principal licensed by the Iowa board of educational examiners.
	(3)	Five points are awarded if a staff member has completed the two-year Head Start management acceleration program covering all aspects of Head Start management, services and systems.
	b. 	Education and experience. A maximum of 25 points may be earned for education and experience. To arrive at the total number of points earned, each staff member shall indicate the highest applicable education and experience qualification. Points will be assigned for each staff member based on the following criteria, and the total points will be divided by the number of staff. Only one criterion may be scored for each staff member.
	(1)	Has a master’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided: 25 points.
	(2)	Has a bachelor’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided: 20 points.
	(3)	Has an associate’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided: 10 points.
	(4)	Has a one-year diploma in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided: 8 points.
	(5)	Has an apprenticeship certificate: 7 points.
	(6)	Has a child development associate credential: 6 points.
	(7)	Has an Iowa board of educational examiners paraeducator certificate at Level 2, early childhood, plus two years of experience in early childhood education under the supervision of a licensed early childhood teacher: 6 points.
	(8)	Has nine college credit hours in education specific to the age group for whom care is provided: 5 points.
	(9)	Has 30 hours of annual approved training beyond regulatory requirements and at least five years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school: 4 points.
	(10)	Has 15 hours of annual approved training beyond regulatory requirements: 2 points.
	118.5(3) Health and safety. A maximum of 19 points may be earned in the health and safety category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Five points are awarded if within the five-year period before the application date the center director, assistant director, or on-site supervisor has successfully completed a three-semester-hour health, safety, and nutrition class through an approved community college or four-year college.
	b. 	Two points are awarded if within the two-year period before the application date the center director, assistant director, or on-site supervisor has successfully completed a health and safety training approved by the department for the specific purpose of awarding points in the quality rating system.
	c. 	Two points are awarded if the provider develops and implements an emergency preparedness plan in a format prescribed by the department.
	d. 	Two points are awarded if the provider develops and implements enhanced health and safety policies in a format prescribed by the department.
	e. 	Up to three points may be awarded for injury prevention.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-IP2006, Injury Prevention Summary Report, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has started the process of making recommended corrections.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	f. 	Up to two points may be awarded for child record review.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-CRR2006, Child Record Review, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has worked with the child care nurse consultant to refer families to health care providers.
	g. 	Up to three points may be awarded for health and safety assessment.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-HSA2006, Health and Safety Assessment, during a visit with the child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has developed a plan of action to correct deficiencies.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	118.5(4) Environment. A maximum of 27 points may be earned in the environment category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Training and self-assessment. A maximum of nine points may be earned in training and self-assessment.
	(1)	Two points are awarded if the facility director or assistant director completes approved training on the use of the infant/toddler environment rating scale, the early childhood environment rating scale, or the school-age care environment rating scale to evaluate and improve the facility before outside evaluation.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if, after completing approved training on how to use the environment rating scale, the facility director or assistant director completes a self-assessment and score sheet of at least one-third of the facility’s classrooms, including at least one classroom in each age group served by the facility using the applicable environment rating scale.
	(3)	Two points are awarded if, after completing approved training on how to use the environment rating scale, the facility director or assistant director completes Form 470-4288, Child Care Center Improvement Plan, based on the environment rating scale self-assessment. Form 470-4288 must be completed for each room for which a self-assessment was completed.
	(4)	Three points are awarded if, after completing approved training on Iowa quality preschool program standards, the facility director or assistant director completes the Iowa quality preschool program standards self-assessment and develops a quality improvement plan.
	b. 	Enhanced ratios. A facility may earn a maximum of three points for enhanced staff-to-child ratios. Three points are awarded if the facility meets accreditation standards for group or class size and staff-to-child ratio from an accrediting body identified at subparagraph 118.5(4)“d”(3) that is appropriate to the child care setting. These points may not be awarded to programs receiving points under subparagraph 118.5(4)“d”(3).
	c. 	Accreditation preparation. A facility may earn a maximum of five points for accreditation preparation. Five points are awarded if the facility’s accreditation self-assessment is approved by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. These points may not be awarded to programs receiving points under subparagraph 118.5(4)“d”(3).
	d. 	Accreditation. A facility may earn a maximum of 18 points for accreditation. Points are awarded for one of the following criteria:
	(1)	Five points are awarded if the program is verified by the Iowa quality preschool program standards.
	(2)	Six points are awarded if a Head Start program demonstrates compliance with Head Start program performance standards.
	(3)	Eighteen points are awarded if the facility is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Afterschool Association, or another accrediting body approved by the department.
	118.5(5) Family and community partnerships. A maximum of eight points may be earned in the family and community partnership category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	One point is awarded if the facility or the facility director is a member of a professional organization specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the facility provides orientation for new parents.
	c. 	One point is awarded if the facility holds annual conferences with parents.
	d. 	One point is awarded if the facility holds at least one parent meeting annually.
	e. 	Two points are awarded if a parent advisory board coordinated by the facility meets quarterly.
	f. 	Two points are awarded if the facility collects annual parent surveys and uses the results to inform program practices.
	118.5(6) Leadership and administration. A maximum of seven points may be earned in the leadership and administration category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Two points are awarded if the facility completes yearly written evaluations for all staff.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the facility develops an improvement plan using Form 470-4235, Child Care Center Improvement Plan, and updates the form annually.
	c. 	One point is awarded if all staff complete Form 470-4236, Professional Development Plan.
	d. 	Three points are awarded if all staff who have direct contact with children complete one of the following within four months of beginning employment with the facility:
	(1)	The new staff orientation training delivered by Iowa state university that provides new center and preschool staff a full, program-based orientation, or
	(2)	Another curriculum approved by the department.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.6(237A) Rating criteria for child development homes. To participate in the quality rating system, a child development home provider applying under subrule 118.2(2) shall certify that the home meets the applicable criteria as defined in subrule 118.6(1).
	118.6(1) Criteria for each rating level.
	a. 	Level 1. To be rated at Level 1, the home must be a registered child development home.
	b. 	Level 2. To be rated at Level 2, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criterion for Level 1:
	(1)	The provider completes and maintains ChildNet certification.
	(2)	The provider participates in the child and adult care food program (CACFP).
	(3)	The provider completes Form 470-4231, Child Development Home Professional Development Self-Assessment.
	(4)	The provider completes Form 470-4236, Professional Development Plan.
	c. 	Level 3. To be rated at Level 3, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of 14 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.6(2) through 118.6(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	d. 	Level 4. To be rated at Level 4, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of 19 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.6(2) through 118.6(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	e. 	Level 5. To be rated at Level 5, the home must meet the following criteria in addition to meeting the criteria for Levels 1 and 2:
	(1)	The home must earn a minimum of 25 points from the categories listed in subrules 118.6(2) through 118.6(5).
	(2)	The home must earn at least one point from each category.
	(3)	The home must earn a minimum score of 5.0 on the family child care environment rating scale. An assessor approved by the department or the department’s designee must perform the assessment.
	118.6(2) Professional development. A child development home may earn a maximum of 34 points in the professional development category. For child development homes registered as Category C, points will be awarded only to the coprovider who has earned the most points. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Experience and training. A home may earn a maximum of four points for experience and training. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	Two points are awarded if the provider has at least two years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school and 10 hours of additional training per year beyond regulatory requirements.
	(2)	Four points are awarded if the provider has at least five years of experience working in a child care facility or a program operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school and 20 hours of additional training per year beyond regulatory requirements.
	b. 	Additional professional development. A home may earn a maximum of five points for additional professional development. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	Two points are awarded if the provider successfully completes approved modules 1 and 2 of positive behavior and intervention support training developed by the Center on Social and Emotional Foundations for Learning (CSEFEL). Modules 1 and 2 total a minimum of 12 hours of training which focuses on promoting effective classroom and center practices that enhance the social and emotional competency of young children.
	(2)	Three points are awarded if the provider successfully completes modules 1 through 4 of the program for infant and toddler care developed by WestEd and the California Department of Education, covering social-emotional growth and socialization, group care, learning and development, culture, and family and providers.
	c. 	Education. A home may earn a maximum of 25 points for education. Points are awarded for one of the following criteria:
	(1)	Twenty-five points are awarded if the provider has completed a master’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(2)	Twenty points are awarded if the provider has completed a bachelor’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(3)	Ten points are awarded if the provider has completed an associate’s degree in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(4)	Eight points are awarded if the provider has completed a one-year diploma in education appropriate to the age group for whom care is provided.
	(5)	Seven points are awarded if the provider has a current apprenticeship certificate.
	(6)	Six points are awarded if the provider has a current child development associate credential.
	(7)	Five points are awarded if the provider has completed at least nine college credit hours in education specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	118.6(3) Health and safety. A child development home may earn a maximum of 19 points in the health and safety category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Five points are awarded if within the five-year period before the application date the provider successfully completes a three-semester-hour health, safety, and nutrition class through an approved community college or four-year college.
	b. 	Two points are awarded if within the two-year period before the application date the provider successfully completes a health and safety training approved by the department for the specific purpose of awarding points in the quality rating system.
	c. 	Two points are awarded if the provider develops and implements an emergency preparedness plan in a format prescribed by the department.
	d. 	Two points are awarded if the provider develops and implements enhanced health and safety policies in a format prescribed by the department.
	e. 	Up to three points may be awarded for injury prevention.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-IP2006, Injury Prevention Summary Report, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has started the process of making recommended corrections.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	f. 	Up to two points may be awarded for child record review.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-CRR2006, Child Record Review, during a visit with a child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has worked with the child care nurse consultant to refer families to health care providers.
	g. 	Up to three points may be awarded for health and safety assessment.
	(1)	One point is awarded if the facility completes the Iowa department of public health’s Form HCCI-HSA2006, Health and Safety Assessment, during a visit with the child care nurse consultant.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has developed a plan of action to correct deficiencies.
	(3)	Three points are awarded if the child care nurse consultant verifies that the facility has completed all corrections.
	118.6(4) Environment. A child development home may earn a maximum of 23 points in the environment category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	Environment rating scale training and self-assessment. A home may earn a maximum of six points for environment rating scale training and self-assessment. Points are awarded as follows:
	(1)	Two points are awarded if the provider completes approved training on how to use the family child care environment rating scale to assess the child development home environment.
	(2)	Two points are awarded if, after completing training on how to use the environment rating scale, the provider completes a self-assessment and score sheet using the environment rating scale.
	(3)	Two points are awarded if, after completing training on how to use the environment rating scale and completion of the environment rating scale self-assessment and score sheet, the provider completes Form 470-4232, Child Development Home Improvement Plan, based on the environment rating scale self-assessment.
	b. 	Enhanced ratios. A home may earn a maximum of two points for enhanced staff-to-child ratios. Two points are awarded if no more than two children under the age of two are in care at any one time and no more than six children total are in care at any one time, including the provider’s own children under school age.
	c. 	Accreditation. A home may earn a maximum of 15 points for accreditation. Fifteen points are awarded if the home is accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care or another accrediting body approved by the department.
	118.6(5) Family and community partnerships. A child development home may earn a maximum of six points in the family and community partnership category. Points are awarded as follows:
	a. 	One point is awarded if the provider is a member of a professional organization specific to the age group for whom care is provided.
	b. 	One point is awarded if the provider offers an orientation for new parents.
	c. 	One point is awarded if the provider holds annual conferences with parents.
	d. 	One point is awarded if the provider holds at least one parent meeting annually.
	e. 	Two points are awarded if the provider collects annual parent surveys and uses the results to inform program practices.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.7(237A) Award of quality rating.
	118.7(1) The facility shall display Form 470-4230, Quality Rating Certificate, in a conspicuous place.
	118.7(2) Achievement bonuses may be awarded as funds are available.
	118.7(3) Participants may request another quality rating for the purpose of increasing their rating no sooner than 12 months after issuance of a quality rating certificate.
	118.7(4) Ratings are effective for 24 months from the date of issuance.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
441—118.8(237A) Adverse actions.
	118.8(1) An eligible applicant must be notified of the right to appeal the rating decision in accordance with 441—Chapter 7.
	118.8(2) A participant’s quality rating shall be revoked if the facility no longer meets the definition of “eligible applicants.”
	118.8(3) Form 470-4230, Quality Rating Certificate, shall be returned to the department of human services if:
	a. 	The certificate is revoked;
	b. 	The certificate is not renewed; or
	c. 	The provider voluntarily withdraws from the program.
	118.8(4) Ratings are effective for 24 months from the date of issuance.
[ARC 9257B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 237A.30.
[Filed 11/16/05, Notice 9/14/05—published 12/7/05, effective 2/1/06]
[Filed ARC 9257B (Notice ARC 8757B, IAB 5/19/10), IAB 12/1/10, effective 2/1/11]