This document outlines various standards for classroom and instructional quality in early childhood education programs. It discusses requirements such as 50% of teaching staff participating in professional development for developmental screening, conducting developmental screenings within 90 days of enrollment, using assessment results to inform individualized and group instruction, and implementing curriculum aligned with state early learning standards. Programs must also support children's IEP/IFSP goals, participate in environmental observations using reliable tools, and maintain proper staff-to-child ratios.

1. Classroom and Instructional Quality
50% of teaching staff have professional learning
activities in developmental screening.
Ensure developmental screening within 90 days of
enrollment and referral (if needed) within 30 days of
screenings for all enrolled children.
Complete an environmental self-assessment using a
valid and reliable tool appropriate for the
ages/settings of children served.
Implements curriculum that aligns with Kentucky
Early Learning Standards (KYEL).
Implements specialized supplemental curricula.
Kentucky Early Learning Standards are incorporated
into lesson plans.
Staff support IFSP/IEP goals of individual children
Staff conduct ongoing curriculum-based assessment
to inform instruction.
Assessment results are used to inform individual
and group instruction.
Instructional assessment findings are shared with
families.
Participate in an environmental observation on a
valid and reliable tool (Levels 3-5).
National accreditation acknowledged by state
approved organization.
Maintain NAEYC staff-to-child ratios and group size
requirements.
Required
2 pts
2 pts
1 pt
Up to
4 pts
Required
Required
2 pts
2 pts
2 pts
1 pt
2 pts
2 pts

2. 50% of teaching staff* have professional learning* activities in
developmental screening
Points
This standard is required for Levels 2-5
What it Means
Half of all teaching staff will complete training in the topic of age-appropriate
developmental screening
Example
Participate in professional learning activity conducted by employer, RTC,
independent trainer which includes developmental screening, college courses, annual
screening training for district
Definitions
Staff: A person who provides direct care and supervision to children and is used to
meet staff-to-child ratios.
Professional Learning Activity: Consciously constructed relevant experience that
supports improved practices, effectiveness and the application of skills, processes,

3. Ensure developmental screening within 90 days of enrollment
and referral (if needed) within 30 days of screening for all
enrolled children
Points
2 points
What it Means
Within 90 days of enrollment, a developmental screening will be conducted. A
referral will be made within 30 days of screening being conducted, if results
indicate need
Example
Any approved screening listed in Continuous Assessment Guide
http://kidsnow.ky.gov/Improving-Early-
care/Documents/Assessment%20Guide%20(Upd2010).pdf
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard.

4. Complete an environmental self-assessment using a valid and
reliable tool appropriate for the ages/settings of children served
Points
Required for Levels 2-5
What it Means
Providers have the choice of completing an assessment on their environment
Example
ECERS-3, ITERS, ECERS-R, Quality Self Study, SACERS-U, FCCERS-R
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard

5. Implements curriculum that aligns with Kentucky Early
Learning Standards (KYELS)
Points
2 points
What it Means
Providers will plan and deliver instruction that supports KYELS
Example
Lesson Plan that embeds and/or supports elements of KYELS
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard

6. Implements specialized supplemental curriculum
Points
1 point
What it Means
Providers will plan and deliver instruction using specialized curricula
Example
Handwriting Without Tears, Second Step, Go Noodle, SPARK, BEKA and/or supplemental
curricula as outlined in IEP
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard.

7. KY Early Learning Standards are incorporated in Lesson Plans
Points
2 points
What it Means
Providers will plan instruction that supports KYELC
Example
Lesson Plan with Standard noted on Children’s Work
Definitions
No additional definitions are available for this standard.

8. Staff support IFSP/IEP goals of individual children
Points
2 points
What it Means
Staff will work with children to promote progress toward goals identified in
IFSP/IEP
Example
Staff will monitor and document child’s progress of IEP goals. Lesson plans will
IEP goals. Staff will attend IEP/IFSP meetings.
Definitions
Staff: A person who provides direct care and supervision to children and is used to
meet staff-to-child ratios.

9. Staff conduct ongoing curriculum-based assessment to inform
instruction
Points
2 points
What it Means
Staff regularly assess children’s progress and makes adjustments
Example
Assessment Reports, Teachers’ observations are documented
Definitions
Staff: A person who provides direct care and supervision to children and is used to
meet staff-to-child ratios.

10. Assessment results are used to inform individual and group
instruction
Points
2 points
What it Means
Teacher uses assessment data to provide specific experiences for individual children
or groups
Example
Checkpoint meetings, Professional Learning Communities
Definitions
No additional definition is available for this credential.

11. Participate in environmental observation on a valid and reliable tool:
• No minimum at Level 3
• Minimum of 4.0 per classroom at Level 4
• Minimum of 5.0 per classroom at Level 5
Points
Required for Levels 3-5
What it Means
Appropriate environmental rating scale will be completed by an approved assessor
Example
ECERS-3, ITERS, ECERS-R, SACERS-U, FCCERS-R
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard.

12. National Accreditation acknowledged by state approved
organization
Points
1 point
What it Means
Program has earned accreditation by state-approved agency
Example
NAEYC, SACS, NAFCC
Definitions
No additional definition available for this standard.

13. Maintain NAEYC staff–to-child- ratios and group size requirements
• Meets for Infants
• Meets for Toddlers
• Meets for Preschoolers
Points
Up to 4 point:
-2 points for meeting infant ratio
-1 point for meeting toddler ratio
-1 point for meeting preschool ratio
What it Means
http://www.naeyc.org/academy/files/academy/file/Teacher_Child_Ratio_Chart.pdf
Example
No additional example for this standard
Definitions
No additional definition for this standard