The purpose of the rule is to address the objections raised by the 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 the rule is to address the objections raised by the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee regarding the approval and issuance of the credential for directors of private prekindergarten providers delivering the VPK program.
SUMMARY: This rule identifies the standards, training requirements, and procedures for the VPK Director Credential for private providers.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT 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: 1002.73(2)(a), 1002.79(1) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.55(3)(f), 1002.57 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: April 15, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: 325 West Gaines Street, Department of Education, Tallahassee, Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, [phone]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-6.040 Voluntary Prekindergarten (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 A private prekindergarten program delivering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program must have a director who has a VPK Director Credential 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 paragraph 65C-22.003(8)(a), F.A.C., prior to the effective date of this rule shall satisfy this requirement.

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

(b) DOE-approved training on the VPK eEducation 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 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 Credential Application, Form DOE-DCA 01-0] which is incorporated by reference to become effective with the effective date of this rule.

(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.

(3) Effective Date and Renewal. If the applicant obtained the DCF Director Credential prior to the effective date of this rule, the expiration date of the VPK Director Credential will be the same as the applicant’s DCF Director Credential. If the applicant did not obtain the DCF Director Credential prior to the effective date of this rule, the expiration date of the VPK Director Credential shall be in accordance with subparagraph 65C-22.003(8)(d)2., F.A.C. To maintain an active VPK Director Credential Endorsement, the director of a private prekindergarten program delivering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program must meet the requirements in paragraph 65C-22.003(8)(d) 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 Credential.

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             _________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Shan Goff, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: March 4, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: November 2, 2007