Early Childhood Standards of Quality for ... - State of Michigan

Staffing and Administrative support and PRofessional DevelopmentA Quality Program:1. Employs paraprofessionals with associate’s degrees in early childhoodeducation/preschool education, child development, child care or hold ChildDevelopment Associate (CDA) credentials or equivalent continuing educationexperience, as approved by a college or the State Board of Education.2. Employs paraprofessionals who have had directed training programs,supervised work, or field experiences implementing educational activitiesfor young children.3. Program Standard: Support staff and non-paid personnel are assignedto roles that enhance the program’s goals and increase the adult/childratio. [LRCCC-R400.5104; 5104a; 5104b]A Quality Program:1. Provides background screens for support staff and regular volunteers inorder to protect the physical and emotional safety of the children in theprogram.2. Provides orientation on program goals and objectives as well as basicmethods of positive interaction with children.3. Assigns tasks and responsibilities that compliment their skill level andareas of strength.4. Offers professional development and advancement opportunities.5. Through restructured staff assignments and configurations, uses supportstaff and volunteers to improve the adult/child ratio.4. Program Standard: The staff participates in a variety of ongoingprofessional development activities (e.g., in-service training,professional workshops, courses at institutions of higher learning,teacher exchanges, observations, coaching). [LRCCC-R400.5102a]A Quality Program:1. Assures that program specific requirements for maintaining andcontinuing teacher certification or other credentials are met.2. Assures that staff members participate each year in early childhoodprofessional development activities (e.g., college courses, in-serviceactivities, workshops, seminars, or training programs).3. Assures that professional development activities are based upon programand individual needs assessments.Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten 23