The early childhood school program addresses all domains of child development and learning, including spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth. The curriculum, teaching strategies, and environment reflect research-based knowledge about the way children develop and learn. The school provides a safe, positive learning environment in which children can experience the wonder of God’s world through developmentally appropriate activities.

Early childhood programs that are exempt from licensing under FS402.316 shall be subject to these standards.

Standards

1. Early Childhood Program Complies with Health and Safety Standards

   The Early Childhood Program successfully demonstrates compliance with the Early Childhood Health and Safety Standards as evidenced by an up-to-date inspection by CSF using the EC-1 Checklist or by regular state inspections for schools operating in home-rule counties, state-licensed schools, or school participating in School Readiness.

   See Explanatory Standards for artifacts

   Explanatory Standards 7.1.1–6

2. Early Childhood Program Utilizes Developmentally-Appropriate Practices

   The Early Childhood Program, in implementing the curriculum, utilizes developmentally-appropriate practices which address each individual child’s spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic growth.

   See Explanatory Standards for artifacts

   Explanatory Standards 7.2.1–2

3. Early Childhood Program Uses Developmentally-Appropriate Assessment

   The Early Childhood Program ensures that the children’s progress is measured through the use of a variety of developmentally-appropriate assessment techniques and reported with supporting documentation.

   See Explanatory Standards for artifacts

   Explanatory Standards 7.3.1–6

4. Early Childhood Program Partners and Communicates with Parents

   The Early Childhood Program initiates, develops, and maintains a partnership with parents through an ongoing system of communication including conferences, parent involvement, training, and referrals to community resources.

   See Explanatory Standards for artifacts

   Explanatory Standards 7.4.1–8