South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 43 - STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
Section 43-264.1 - Half-Day Child Development Programs
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
I. Legislation
In order to comply with the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 and the Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act of 1993 school districts may establish and provide for the education of three-and four-year-old children who have predicted significant readiness deficiencies. The legislation requires that each district will provide for at least a half-day early childhood development program for four-year-old children. Districts have the option of serving three-year-old children.
Each district shall provide at least one program for four-year-old children and may serve identified three-year-old children who have significant readiness deficiencies.
Districts and schools shall integrate the planning and direction of the half-day program with the Early Childhood Initiative.
II. Plan for Enrollment
School districts shall attempt to contact parents or guardians of children who will reach age three or four on or before September 1 and who have potential for later school failure. The district shall make substantial efforts to publicize the availability of the program for four-year-olds, and for three-year-olds if appropriate.
Each district shall develop criteria for the enrollment of children who have predicted significant readiness deficiencies. These criteria shall include the following:
III. Coordination
In the event that a local advisory committee exists in a community to coordinate early childhood education and development, school districts shall consult with the committee in planning and developing services to make maximum use of resources and avoid duplication of effort. When a local advisory committee does not exist, the school district shall identify available early childhood development and education resources in order to avoid duplication of public services. This may include Headstart and other Child Development Block Grant Programs.
IV. Program Description
A developmental educational program in a classroom setting shall be the major component of the program.
The classroom program shall operate five days a week (or the equivalent) for at least 2 1/2 hours of instructional time, exclusive of breakfast, lunch and transportation. Program year will include 190 days of operation for staff (180 days service to children) subject to the same conditions for waiver of make-up days as prescribed by state law.
Each classroom shall be staffed with one appropriately certified teacher and one teaching assistant for a maximum of 20 children per each half-day session. Teaching assistants shall have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
V. Funding
Child development funds will be allocated on an annual basis effective July 1 through June 30. Unobligated funds which become available during the fiscal year will be redistributed to serve additional eligible children.
The State Department of Education will annually calculate each district allocation based on the number of kindergarten children who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
School districts will be authorized to expend allocated funds on students meeting the eligibility criteria and being served in approved programs.
Any extension of the child development program beyond 2 1/2 hours using funds from other sources such as Chapter 1, Social Services Block Grant funds shall be in compliance with regulations and guidelines governing the half-day program. Before or after school services may be provided by other state or federal programs designed for three-and-four-year-olds if consistent with federal regulations for eligibility.
School districts may contract with appropriate groups and/or agencies to provide part or all of the program. In such cases, the school district is charged with the responsibility of maintaining compliance with the regulations governing this program. An exception to the regulation governing indirect costs may be made when state or federal regulations require the subcontractor to utilize an indirect cost rate. Subcontracting may be based on a fixed cost rate.
Eligible children may not be charged fees for the 2 1/2 -hour instructional program outlined in these regulations.
VI. Fiscal Requirements
Expenditures must adhere to definitions and guidelines established by the Office of Finance, State Department of Education, or the State Procurement Code.
VII. Staff Development
Appropriate ongoing staff development activities shall be described and incorporated in the school or district's comprehensive plan as required by the Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act of 1993 (Act 135), State Board of Education Regulations and guidelines.
VIII. Evaluation
Districts shall participate in evaluation efforts coordinated by State Department of Education. This will include tracking child development program participants through kindergarten and at least the third grade to determine the program's impact on school success.
IX. Additional information relating to the implementation of this regulation, including but not limited to:
is contained in the "Guidelines for Half Day Child Development Programs" available at the State Department of Education. The State Board of Education will review and update, "Guidelines" as needed.
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60 and 1993 Act 135 The Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act
