The Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) serve as a crucial framework, highlighting the developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills that children should ideally acquire before entering kindergarten. These standards are carefully designed to ensure that young learners are well-prepared for academic success from the moment they begin school and are set on a path to become productive, engaged citizens in the future. School districts and community partners throughout Iowa, particularly those involved in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs (SWVPP) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs, utilize instructional strategies and interventions grounded in the IELS. This approach is intended to effectively foster children’s development and learning across all domains outlined in the standards. These standards are formally referenced in the [Iowa Administrative Code 281.16 and Iowa Administrative Code 281.41].
Approved Standards for Early Childhood Programs in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Education is dedicated to fostering high-quality early learning experiences for young children. This commitment is demonstrated through the development, implementation, and continuous monitoring of preschool programs and services, often in collaboration with local school districts. Several key programs in Iowa, including the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs (SWVPP), Shared Visions Preschool Program (SV), and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) instructional services, are required to adhere to specific, approved preschool program standards.
Iowa has adopted three primary sets of standards that embody the characteristics of effective early childhood programs:
- IQPPS (Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards)
- Head Start Program Performance Standards (2015)
- NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Standards (2015)
IQPPS, Head Start (2015) and NAEYC (2015) Standards Crosswalk
The implementation of these program standards is viewed as an ongoing process of improvement for both school districts and individual programs. Regular review of preschool program policies, procedures, and data is essential to ensure that programs consistently meet the established criteria. Specifically, Iowa school districts and their community partners involved in Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs (SWVPP) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) instructional services must demonstrate compliance with the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Criteria.
Understanding the Preschool Desk Audit
To ensure accountability and quality, Iowa utilizes a Preschool Desk Audit, which is structured in two parts:
- Session ID Information (August 1 – September 15): Completion of Part 1 of the Session ID is mandatory for all district preschool programs.
- IQPPS Evidence (September 15 – December 15): School districts implementing IQPPS at any location, including those with community partners, are required to submit evidence of IQPPS implementation through the Preschool Desk Audit. Further details and instructions are available in the Preschool Desk Audit Instructions and the Universal Preschool Desk Audit: Evidence of IQPPS Implementation.
Implementing Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS)
The Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (2017), along with their associated criteria, are designed to promote research-based practices in early learning environments. IQPPS integrates key elements of early childhood development and learning with curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices commonly used in preschool settings.
Within the ten program standards of IQPPS, there are 21 IQPPS Required Criteria identified as essential hallmarks of a high-quality program. Districts bear the responsibility of ensuring that every component of these required criteria is consistently addressed and demonstrably implemented.
Districts and programs adhering to IQPPS are required to submit evidence annually through the Preschool Desk Audit system in CASA, between September 15 and December 15. Exemptions from submitting IQPPS evidence via the Preschool Desk Audit are granted only to districts undergoing an on-site IQPPS visit, those following Head Start Program Performance Standards, or those with NAEYC accreditation across all classrooms.
On-site monitoring visits are conducted when districts decide to change their program standards.
Continuous improvement is a core principle of IQPPS implementation. Districts and programs are expected to regularly evaluate their preschool program policies, procedures, and data to confirm ongoing alignment with IQPPS criteria. The Preschool Desk Audit, comprising Part 1) Session ID Information (August 1 – September 15) and Part 2) IQPPS Evidence (September 15 – December 15), serves as a key component of this process. Additional guidance can be found in the Preschool Desk Audit Instructions and the Universal Preschool Desk Audit: Evidence of IQPPS Implementation.
The continuous implementation and refinement of IQPPS and its criteria are integral to the ongoing improvement efforts of districts and programs. Regular review of program policies, procedures, and data is crucial to ensure sustained adherence to IQPPS and its criteria. Refer to the Recommended Year-At-A-Glance Resource for Iowa Preschool Programs for further support. A range of resources and tools are available to facilitate the implementation of IQPPS standards. The checklists provided below, while not mandatory, can be valuable aids in compiling evidence to demonstrate IQPPS and Criteria implementation.
