249—1.4 (256I) Early childhood Iowa state board responsibility.
	 1.4(1) The state board shall provide leadership and coordination for the development of Iowa’s early care, health and education system in cooperation with area boards, community partners and other state agencies.
	 1.4(2) The state board shall:
	  a.   	 Develop a levels of excellence rating system for area boards.
	 (1) 	 The rating system is the mechanism by which an area board is designated.
	 (2) 	 The rating system shall include the following four levels: probation, compliant, quality, and model.
	 (3) 	 The state board shall adopt criteria for each level.
	 (4) 	 The state board shall review the process at the close of each designation cycle.
	  b.   	 Adopt state-level indicators with input from area boards and the early childhood stakeholders alliance. The state board shall report on indicators each fiscal year and compare the data against baseline data and data from prior fiscal years as available. Indicators shall measure all result areas of the early care, health and education system.
	  c.   	 Adopt minimum standards to promote equal access to services subject to the authority of the area boards.
	  d.   	 Adopt guidelines and standards for services provided under a school ready children grant.
	  e.   	 In cooperation with the early childhood stakeholders alliance:
	 (1) 	 Further the development of an early childhood integrated data system across state agencies and other partners.
	 (2) 	 Develop guidance to identify and improve the quality of services in early care, health and education programs, including evidence-based practices.
	 (3) 	 Promote other measures to advance the initiative.
[ARC 9346B, IAB 1/26/11, effective 3/2/11]