Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-6.040: Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Credential for Private Providers
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule is to specify the minimum standards for a credential for prekindergarten directors of private prekindergarten providers delivering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program, as required by section 1002.57(1), F.S. The effect of this rule is to provide for an enhanced educational credential for the directors of private prekindergarten providers delivering the VPK program.
SUMMARY: This rule identifies the standards, training requirements, and procedures for renewing the VPK Director endorsement.
SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1002.79(1) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.55(3)(f), 1002.57 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE: June 20, 2006, 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Orlando, Florida (For exact location please contact Lynn Abbott, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, #1514, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400; 850-245-9661
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1524, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, (850)245-0445.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-6.040 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Endorsement for Private Providers.

(1) Requirements for the Endorsement.  Consistent with the requirements of section 1002.55(3)(f), Florida Statutes, a private prekindergarten program delivering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program must have a director who has a VPK Director Endorsement, issued by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), that meets the requirements of subsection (2) of this rule.  Successful completion of the Director Credential, as required by section 402.305(2)(f), Florida Statutes, and Rule 65C-22.003(8)(a), FAC., prior to July 1, 2006, shall satisfy this requirement.

(2) Training Requirements.  To be eligible for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Endorsement, issued by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), applicants must successfully complete:

(a) A Florida credential certificate program, as referenced in Rule 65C-22.003(8)(a), FAC, approved by DCF and the Department of Education (DOE);

(b) DOE-approved training on the VPK Education standards adopted by the State Board of Education;

(c) DOE-approved course(s) on emergent literacy; and

(d) DOE-approved course(s) that address the following VPK Director competencies:

1. Organizational Leadership and ManagementTo implement strategies and techniques that promote a responsive work and learning environment, VPK directors shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of:

a. Management strategies that support a professional culture and climate;

b. Instructional leadership skills and the provision of supports to VPK instructors;

c. Available resources and supports for VPK instructors and parents; and

d. Local processes and procedures for the transition of VPK children to public and private kindergarten programs.

2. Financial and Legal - To maintain effective financial planning and budgeting systems and sound practices related  to legal obligations and responsibilities, VPK directors shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of:

a. Applicable laws and rules and legal responsibilities;

b. Roles and responsibilities of state agencies, local coalitions, and providers;

c. Monitoring requirements; and

d. Financial operating procedures.

3. Program and Performance Standards – To maintain an instructional leadership role in creating and sustaining an effective learning environment, VPK directors shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of:

a. Developmentally appropriate and research-based instructional practices and their application in the classroom;

b. Evaluation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of available prekindergarten curricula;

c. Effective implementation of a prekindergarten curriculum in the classroom;

d. Effective instructional strategies for children with disabilities or other special needs and for English language learners;

e. Developmentally appropriate methods for the on-going assessment of young children and interpretation of these data for program planning and the delivery of instruction; and

f. Local and state accountability systems.

(3) Renewal. To maintain an active VPK Director Endorsement, the director of a private prekindergarten program delivering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program must meet the requirements in Rule 65C-22.003(8)(h)1-4, F.A.C.

Specific Authority 1002.79(1), F.S. Law Implemented 1002.55(3)(f), 1002.57, F.S. History–New________.


NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Gloria Hearns, Office of Early Learning, Department of Education
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: May 8, 2006
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: March 17, 2006.