The Superintendent shall develop standards for the implementation of high-quality preschool programs. Indicators of quality shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) A physical environment that is safe and appropriate for preschool children and that meets applicable licensing standards.
(b) Program activities and services that are age appropriate for preschool children and meet the developmental needs of each child.
(c) Program activities and services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of children and families, including, but not limited to, program activities and services that meet the need of dual language learners for support in the development of their home language and English.
(d) Family engagement including, but not limited to, opportunities to participate on parent advisory committees and parent education.
(e) Community engagement, coordination, and local partnerships that support successful transitions from preschool to the early elementary grades.
(f) Efficient and effective local program administration.
(g) Staff that possesses the appropriate and required qualifications, experience, or training, or a combination thereof. The appropriate staff qualifications shall reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural makeup of the children and families in the preschool program. The use of intergenerational staff shall be encouraged.
(h) The promotion of inclusive experiences through program activities and support for parents to access services that meet the needs of children with exceptional needs and their families.
(i) Support services for children, families, and early learning staff and administrators.
(j) Program activities that support equity by eliminating implicit bias, exclusionary discipline practices, and discrimination through staff development and training.
(k) Provision for nutritional needs of children, including nutrition education at preschool and, when appropriate, shared resource for families.
(l) Social services that include, but are not limited to, identification of child and family needs and referral to appropriate agencies.
(m) Health services that include referral of children to appropriate agencies for services.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 498, Sec. 2. (AB 1363) Effective January 1, 2022.)