9.01 All ABC classroom programs shall satisfy the requirements specified in The Child Care Licensing Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-201 through 224 and rules and regulations enacted pursuant to these sections.

9.02 All ABC center-based or family-home based programs shall maintain a license in good standing as referenced in Section 9.1. Any ABC program whose license is revoked shall be immediately terminated from the ABC program.

9.03 Agencies that are barred from participating in DHS programs pursuant to DHS Policy 1088 shall be ineligible for participation in ABC. Grant agreements for any existing programs excluded pursuant to this policy shall be terminated immediately. Programs placed on corrective action by DHS shall be subject to ABC compliance action as outlined in Section 22.

9.04 DCCECE is directly responsible for the inspection and evaluation of programs as referenced in Section 9.1. Inspections and monitoring visits may occur without prior notice. This includes quality visits, program reviews or any other visit by a DCCECE or authorized representative.

9.05 All ABC classrooms shall meet the criteria for becoming an “approved” Early Childhood program under the Arkansas Child Care Approval System Rules and Regulations, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-45-103 and 106. An overall score of 5.0 is required for the ERS which is applicable to each classroom. DCCECE will utilize the following procedure for any program failing to meet these requirements:

Any agency which is not renewed pursuant to this policy shall be ineligible to reapply for an ABC grant for a period of 12 months.

At the discretion of DCCECE, the following may be considered as mitigating circumstances: impact of deficiencies on child health, safety and welfare; willingness to improve upon factors within Agency control; likelihood of program passing next review and the time in which such improvements can be implemented. Recommendations for improvement may include staff changes.

9.06 For each child enrolled, ABC programs shall provide a minimum of 7 hours per day, 178 days per year for instruction.

9.07 Classroom-based programs shall follow public school regulations regarding the time requirements for teacher planning periods. However, planning periods for ABC teachers shall be scheduled at a time that does not violate minimum staff-child ratios or other ABC standards.

9.08 Programs shall utilize a parent handbook specifically designed for the ABC program. Attendance and tardy policies shall be clearly outlined in the handbook. Parents shall sign a statement stating they have received a copy of the handbook and understand its contents. Programs shall maintain a copy of the signed statement in the child record. Programs should direct specific cases to DCCECE for technical assistance or guidance.