The purpose of this rule development is to address the objections raised by Joint Administrative Procedures Committee regarding the approval and issuance of the credential for directors of private prekindergarten providers delivering the VPK program.

 

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 development is to address the objections raised by Joint Administrative Procedures Committee regarding the approval and issuance of the credential for directors of private prekindergarten providers delivering the VPK program.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Credential for directors for private prekindergarten providers.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1002.73(2)(a), 1002.79(1) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.55(3)(f), 1002.57 FS.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.

Requests for the rule development workshop should be addressed to: Lynn Abbott, Agency Clerk, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 1524, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1524, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, [phone]

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

 

6A-6.040 Voluntary (VPK) Director Credential 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 Credential. VPK Director Endorsement, Children and Families (DCF), that meets the requirements of subsection (2) of this rule. Successful completion of the Director Credential for child care facilities issued by the Department of Children and Families, as authorized required by Section 402.305(2)(f), Florida Statutes, and paragraph 65C-22.003(8)(a), F.A.C., prior to December 31, 2006, satisfies the effective date of this rule  shall satisfy this requirement.

(1)(2) Training Requirements for VPK Director Credential. To be eligible for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Credential Endorsement, issued by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the applicant must possess a DCF Director Credential. The onsite experience required for the DCF Director Credential satisfies the onsite experience required for the VPK Director Credential. Applicants must successfully complete the following additional educational requirements:

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

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

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

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

1. Organizational Leadership and Management – To 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.

(2) Procedure for VPK Director Credential.

(a) An applicant for the VPK Director Credential must complete and submit the Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Endorsement Application, [Form DOE-DEA 01-07] which is incorporated by reference.

(b) The VPK Director Credential will be issued upon verification of the completed application and supporting documentation that the applicant has met the onsite experience and educational requirements for a VPK Director Credential. The expiration date of the VPK Credential will be matched to the expiration date of the applicant’s DCF Director Credential.

(c) The VPK Prekindergarten Director Credential shall take the form of an endorsement to the Director Credential issued by the Department of Children and Families.

(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 subparagraphs 65C-22.003(8)(h)1.-4., F.A.C.

(4) Revocation. The Department will revoke the VPK Director Credentials of a person who provided false information on an application for VPK Director Credentials.

Specific Authority 1002.73(2)(a), 1002.79(1) FS. Law Implemented 1002.55(3)(f), 1002.57 FS. History–New 12-31-06, Amended ________.