Sec. 112. Definitions

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In this subtitle: The term child with a disability has the meaning given the term in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1401 ). The term comprehensive early learning assessment system — means a coordinated and comprehensive system of multiple assessments, each of which is valid and reliable for its specified purpose and for the population with which it will be used, that organizes information about the process and context of young children’s learning and development in order to help early childhood educators make informed instructional and programmatic decisions and that conforms to the recommendations of the National Research Council reports on early childhood; and includes, at a minimum— child screening measures; child formative assessments; measures of environmental quality; and measures of the quality of adult-child interactions.

The term dual language learner means an individual who is limited English proficient as defined in section 637 of the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9832 ). The term early childhood education program has the meaning given the term under section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1003 ). The term elementary school has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). The term eligibility determination date means the date used to determine eligibility for public elementary school in the community in which the eligible local entity involved is located.

The term eligible local entity means— a local educational agency, including a charter school or a charter management organization that acts as a local educational agency, or an educational service agency in partnership with a local educational agency; an entity that carries out an early childhood education program; or a consortium of entities described under subparagraph

(A)or (B). The term full-day means a day that is— equivalent to a full school day at the public elementary schools in the State; and not less than 5 hours a day. The term high-quality prekindergarten program means a prekindergarten program supported by an eligible local entity that includes, at a minimum, the following elements based on nationally recognized standards: Serves children who— are age 4 or children who are age 3 or 4, by the eligibility determination date (including children who turn age 5 while attending the program); or have attained the legal age for State-funded prekindergarten. Requires high staff qualifications, including a requirement that a prekindergarten teacher— has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field with coursework that demonstrates competence in early childhood education; has a bachelor's degree in any field; has demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education through passage of a State-approved assessment in early childhood education; engages in on-going professional development in early childhood education for not less than 2 years; and is enrolled in a State-approved educator preparation program in which the teacher receives on-going training and support in early childhood education and is making progress toward the completion of the program in not more than 3 years; or has a bachelor’s degree in any field with a credential, license, or endorsement that demonstrates competence in early childhood education. Maintains a maximum class size of 20 children. Maintains a child to instructional staff ratio that does not exceed 10 to 1. Offers a full-day program. Provides developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curricula and learning environments that are aligned with the State’s early learning and development standards. Offers instructional staff salaries comparable to kindergarten through grade 12 teaching staff. Provides for ongoing monitoring and program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement. Offers accessible comprehensive services for children that— include, at a minimum— screenings for vision, dental, health (including mental health), and development and referrals, and assistance obtaining services, when appropriate; family engagement opportunities (taking into account home language), such as parent conferences (including parent input about their child’s development) and support services, such as parent education; nutrition services, including nutritious meals and snack options aligned with requirements set by the most recent Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines promulgated by the Department of Agriculture as well as regular, age-appropriate, nutrition education for children and their families; programs coordinated with local educational agencies and entities providing programs authorized under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419 and 1431 et seq.); physical activity programs aligned with evidence-based guidelines, such as those recommended by the Institute of Medicine, and which take into account and accommodate children with disabilities; and additional support services, as appropriate, based on the findings of the needs analysis as described in section 120; and are provided on-site. Provides high-quality professional development for staff, including regular in-class observation for teachers and teacher assistants by individuals trained in observation. Meets the education performance standards in effect under section 641A(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9836a(a)(1)(B) ). Maintains evidence-based health and safety standards. The term homeless child means a child or youth described in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2). The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 ). The term local education agency has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). The term outlying area means each of the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The term poverty line means the official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget)— adjusted to reflect the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all consumers, issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occurring in the 1-year period or other interval immediately preceding the date such adjustment is made; and adjusted for family size. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education. Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the term State means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each of the outlying areas. The term State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care means the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care established under section 642B(b) of the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9837b(b) ).

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