Sec. 4. Definitions
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In this Act: 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 (including a Head Start program or licensed child care setting) that carries out, administers, or supports 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. 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 that teachers meet the requirements of 1 of the following clauses: The teacher has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field with coursework that demonstrates competence in early childhood education; The teacher— 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 ongoing 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 ongoing training and support in early childhood education and is making progress toward the completion of the program in not more than 3 years; or The teacher 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 learning environments and evidence-based curricula 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 and family literacy services; 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 that take into account and accommodate children with disabilities; and additional support services, as appropriate, based on the findings of a needs analysis; and are provided on-site, to the maximum extent feasible. Provides high-quality professional development for staff, including regular in-class observation for teachers and teacher assistants by individuals trained in observation and which may include evidence-based coaching. 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 terms local educational agency and State have the meanings given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.
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