UP 4 WS Provider Requirements

The effort to sustain quality preschool programs throughout West Sacramento is supported by adherence to both national standards and UP 4 WS guidelines. All preschool programs receiving funds from UP 4 WS will be required to meet the Quality Criteria outlined below. UP 4 WS guidelines apply to all program participants, including private and public schools and centers as well as home-site and faith-based preschools. UP 4 WS provides various support services and referrals to all participating preschool providers.

To be a participating preschool provider and recipient of UP 4 WS funds, a preschool program must be located in West Sacramento and…

Offer free and voluntary, quality preschool to 4-year-olds for three hours per day or its equivalent (at least 175 days and 525 hours per program year).

Maintain licensed facilities that are clean and accessible.

• Useable space in buildings, rooms and playgrounds must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and the state Building Standards Code.
• Sufficient, appropriate materials and toys will be on site and available.
• Providers must self evaluate their environments annually, achieving a score of "four" or better in every area of the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS) or Family Daycare Rating Scale (FDCRS).
• External evaluators will rate each program prior to operation and annually.

Serve diverse children, including those with disabilities, special needs and children who are English-language learners.

Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios as outlined:

• Center-based providers: staff-to-child ratios at 3:24 or 2:20.
• Family daycare and small program providers:
  • No fewer than six children, ages 2.5-5.
  • One qualified teacher for every six to 10 preschoolers.
  • During scheduled preschool times, separate preschool and infant/toddler care.

Screen all UP 4 WS preschoolers for possible developmental delays.

• Screen using Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
• Refer those with suspected delays for further evaluation using outlined process.
• Assess student progress using Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP).

Confirm health insurance and make referrals to Yolo Children's Health Initiative (CHI).

Individualize plans for each child using the Desired Results Child Summary.

Implement written curriculum following California's Pre-kindergarten Learning Development Guidelines. Assure daily opportunities for early literacy, the arts, science, math, health/nutrition, social skills/relationship building, physical and group activities. Provide materials and activities to promote children's embracing of diversity.

Provide nutritious meals and snacks using USDA Childcare Food Program Standards.

Provide support to children coming into and going out of the program with special attention to kindergarten-readiness transitions.

Commit to a qualified, diverse workforce by supporting teaching staff to reach the following educational requirements:

• Master Teachers - B.A. (or working toward B.A.) with 24 ECE units.
• Assistant Teachers - A.A. with core ECE units.
• Any teaching staff not meeting the above requirements must follow a written plan to satisfy them by 2010. Programs will support "in-process" teaching staff by requesting:
  • Written general education plans developed with a qualified college advisor.
  • Documentation of support from a CARES advisor.
  • Proof of staff's continuing enrollment in college classes.

Provide wage parity between Master Teachers and K-6 teachers for preschool teachers working for Washington Unified School District ($25 per hour).

Implement and assess the use of the First 5 Yolo Equity Principles.

Connect with other First 5 Yolo programs such as local School Readiness and Yolo CHI.

Participate in First 5 Yolo Outcome Evaluations.

Use all UP 4 WS funds for allowed purposes detailed in contract.

Submit monthly attendance sheets with parent signatures or USDA food program documentation.

Help families connect with wrap-around childcare and other family support as needed.

Invite parents to become a part of the UP 4 WS parent advisory group.

Survey parents annually with the Desired Results Family Survey.

For an official copy of the UP 4 WS Quality Criteria and if you have any questions, please contact: Donna Elmore, Universal Preschool Director, First 5 Yolo at (916) 617-4531 or donnae@cityofwestsacramento.org.