281—16.2(256C) Preschool program standards. Approved program standards include Head Start Program Performance Standards, Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Criteria, or the NAEYC Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria. All approved local preschool programs adopt preschool program standards and meet the following criteria:
	16.2(1) Personnel. A minimum of one teacher is present with eligible children during the voluntary preschool program instructional time.
	16.2(2) Ratio of staff to children. At least one teacher is present in a classroom during the instructional time described in subrule 16.2(4). A minimum of one staff member and one teacher are present when 11 to 20 children are present. Staff members and teachers have reasonable line-of-sight supervision of all children.
	16.2(3) Maximum class size. There are no more than 20 children per classroom.
	16.2(4) Instructional time. Eligible children receive instructional time as established by Iowa Code section 256C.3(3)“f” that meets the needs of the child and is directly related to the program’s curriculum, such time to be exclusive of recess.
	16.2(5) Child learning standards. The preschool program demonstrates how the curriculum, assessment, staff development, and instructional strategies are aligned to the Iowa Early Learning Standards, adopted on or before January 31, 2024. The teacher provides instruction on the skills and knowledge included in the Iowa Early Learning Standards.
	16.2(6) Curriculum. The preschool program adopts a research-based or evidence-based curriculum.
	16.2(7) Assessment. The preschool program adopts a research-based or evidence-based assessment to provide information on children’s learning and development.
	16.2(8) Staff development. The school district complies with Iowa Code section 256C.3(4)“d.” The district makes available to any teacher of a statewide voluntary preschool program who is not employed by the district staff development that the district offers to the district’s personnel to maintain the skills appropriate to the teacher’s role. The school district ensures that staff members for the program are provided appropriate staff development in early childhood education.
	16.2(9) Space. The preschool program provides adequate and appropriate space and facilities in accordance with program standards.
	16.2(10) Materials. The preschool program provides instructional materials and supplies consistent with the program standards and Iowa Early Learning Standards.
	16.2(11) Meals. The preschool program provides adequate and appropriate meals or snacks in accordance with program standards.
	16.2(12) Parent involvement. The preschool program involves families through at least one home visit by the licensed teacher of the child, one family night, and at least two family-teacher conferences per year. Family involvement may include volunteering in the classroom, orientation to the preschool program, parent education, general communications, or other activities.
	16.2(13) Integration of other preschool programs. The preschool program complies with Iowa Code section 256C.3(3)“d.”
	16.2(14) Comprehensive services. The preschool program may collaborate with other agencies for the provision of the following:
	a. 	Quality, developmentally appropriate early learning experiences;
	b. 	Extended day child care;
	c. 	Transportation;
	d. 	Developmental screening, including health, hearing, and vision screening;
	e. 	Referral to other agencies providing health insurance, health care, immunizations, nutrition services, and mental health and oral health services; and
	f. 	Family education and support.
[ARC 7421C, IAB 12/27/23, effective 1/31/24]