Iowa Administrative Code Agency 249 - Early Childhood Iowa State Board
📌 Iowa Administrative Code – Agency 249: Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) State Board
Agency 249 governs the Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) State Board, which is responsible for coordinating statewide early childhood programs for children from birth to age five.
The Board’s mission is to ensure that young children in Iowa receive high-quality early care, education, health services, and family support, especially those in underserved or at-risk communities.
🔑 Major Areas Covered in IAC 249
1. Board Organization & Authority
Defines the composition and membership of the State Board, including representatives from public agencies, nonprofits, and parent groups.
Outlines roles and responsibilities, including policy guidance, oversight, and strategic planning.
Establishes procedures for meetings, rulemaking, and decision-making.
2. Early Childhood Programs & Services
Establishes rules for programs that provide:
Early learning and pre-kindergarten education
Health and developmental screenings
Nutrition programs and family support services
Sets standards for program quality, eligibility, and outcomes.
3. Funding & Grants
Rules for distributing state and federal funds to local ECI boards or programs.
Eligibility criteria for funding recipients.
Application, review, and approval processes for grants.
Reporting and accountability requirements for fund use.
4. Collaboration & Local Boards
Encourages partnerships among local ECI boards, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Guidelines for coordinating services across agencies and avoiding duplication.
Responsibilities of local boards to meet statewide performance standards.
5. Performance Standards & Accountability
Establishes benchmarks for program quality, child development outcomes, and family engagement.
Monitoring and evaluation procedures to ensure compliance with state goals.
Corrective actions if programs do not meet standards.
6. Professional Development
Rules for training and continuing education of early childhood educators and service providers.
Encourages adoption of evidence-based practices.
7. Reporting & Data Collection
Requirements for annual reports to the Board and the Governor’s office.
Collection of data on program participation, child outcomes, and funding use.
Ensures transparency and public accountability.
🎯 Purpose of IAC 249
The main objectives of these rules are to:
Promote healthy child development and school readiness.
Coordinate early childhood services across Iowa efficiently.
Ensure equitable access to quality programs for all children.
Support families in providing stable, nurturing environments.
✅ In short:
Iowa Administrative Code, Agency 249 governs the Early Childhood Iowa State Board, covering its organization, early childhood programs, funding, collaboration with local boards, performance standards, professional development, and reporting. Its purpose is to improve outcomes
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