SECTION 340:110-1-8.9. Family engagement differential quality rating and improvement certification criteria

(a)   Criteria one star plus centers. Family engagement criteria in (1) - (7) of this subsection are required.

(1)   A system is established and maintained for sharing with, and communicating to families the happenings, activities, and related issues about a child's physical and emotional state.

(2)   Families are welcomed in the center at all times, such as, eating with a child, observing, or volunteering in the classroom.

(3)   Individual parent conferences are arranged and documented to discuss and set goals regarding the child's accomplishments and challenges, at least annually and as needed. Documentation is maintained with the child's records.

(4)   The program provides a family resource area with books, pamphlets, or articles on parenting and community resources accessible to families. When provided electronically, resources are easily accessible and printable.

(5)   At least two family meetings with guest speakers or special events are held annually, such as open houses, brown bag lunches, family pot-luck dinners, and children's programs.

(6)   The program informs families using, at a minimum, two of these methods:

(A)   bulletin board;

(B)   newsletter;

(C)   parent handbook;

(D)   website, specific to each center location; or

(E)   email, social media, or other electronic communication.

(7)   Families participate in program and policy development through board involvement and planning meetings or are given an opportunity to complete annual questionnaires.

(b)   Criteria two and three star centers. Family engagement criteria in (a) of this Section are required. In addition, individual parent conferences are held at least twice annually. Programs operating only part-year, conduct one individual parent conference, per calendar year. A written report about the child is provided to parents.

(c)   Criteria one star plus homes. Family engagement criteria in (1) - (6) of this subsection are required. The primary caregiver:

(1)   maintains a signed contract on file for each family including, but not limited to, policy concerning hours, fees, payment schedules, vacations, and terminations;

(2)   encourages families to visit when his or her children are present and provides access to all parts of the home used for child care;

(3)   arranges for, and documents individual parent conferences, to discuss and set goals regarding his or her child's progress, accomplishments, and challenges, at least annually and as needed. Documentation is maintained with the child's records;

(4)   provides opportunities for family involvement in the program's activities;

(5)   has information available about common childhood issues and resources including health care, education, nutrition, and counseling services for families and children, and makes referrals as needed; and

(6)   ensures applicable Licensing requirements are available to families.

(d)   Criteria two and three star homes. Family engagement criteria in (c) of this Section and (1) - (2) of this subsection are required. The primary caregiver:

(1)   provides parents a minimum of two non-relative references, including contact information; and

(2)   has and uses a system to communicate with families the happenings, activities, and related issues regarding his or her child's physical and emotional state.

[Source: Added at 29 Ok Reg 1229, eff 7-1-12; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1683, eff 11-1-16; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 1732, eff 11-1-18; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1858, eff 11-1-20]