Library: Policy

340:110-1-8.8. Learning and development criteria

Revised 6-1-22

(a) Two-, three-, four-, and five-star center criteria. Criteria in (1) through (5) of this subsection are required for all star levels.

(1) Television or other screen time is not used for children 1 year of age and younger. • 1

(2) Out-of-school time programs and programs licensed as day camps may have required interest areas set up throughout the program as long as children are supervised and have accessible free choice to all required areas.

(3) At least two interest areas are available outdoors for children 2 years of age and older. • 2

(4) Classroom schedules are predictable and responsive to children's needs, balancing child-initiated play and teacher-guided activities.

(5) Teaching personnel prepare children for transitions. A written plan is maintained, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-1-8.5.

(b) Three-, four-, and five-star center criteria. Criteria in (a) of this Section and (1) through (5) of this subsection are required. Programs licensed as out-of-school programs are exempt from (5) of this subsection.

(1) Space is arranged in clearly-defined and well-equipped interest areas in each classroom facilitating a variety of activities also including math and science or nature for children 2 years of age and older.

(2) The program implements developmentally appropriate curriculum in each classroom aligning with Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines (ELG) or Oklahoma Academic Standards. • 3 Curriculum may be self-developed, published, or lesson plans.

(A) Curriculum or lesson plans:

(i) reflect the program philosophy and goals;

(ii) are based on child development and appropriate practice;

(iii) provide for children's various ages, abilities, developmental stages, and special needs;

(iv) provide for children's physical, cognitive, language, literacy, and social-emotional development; and

(v) incorporate music and songs into children's activities at multiple times of the day.

(B) Programs establish methods for providing curriculum information to families. Methods may include:

(i) parent handbooks;

(ii) newsletters;

(iii) orientation; or

(iv) family meetings.

(3) All lesson plans are reviewed by the director, master teacher, or other program personnel trained in ELG. ELG standards or Oklahoma Academic Standards are identified on lesson plans.

(4) Teaching personnel lead and participate in at least two developmentally- appropriate physical activities daily for all children.

(5) For continuity of care, children remain with specific teaching personnel throughout the majority of the day, and are not regularly assigned to another group. A written plan is maintained, per OAC 340:110-1-8.5.

(c) Four- and five-star center criteria. Criteria in (a) and (b) of this Section and (1) through (3) of this subsection are required.

(1) Criteria includes (A) through (E) of this paragraph. Programs licensed as out-of-school time programs are exempt from (A) and (B) of this paragraph.

(A) Learning opportunities are planned for each child using observation documentation.

(B) Lesson plans are individualized for each child's needs, including age, ability, developmental stage, social-emotional development, special needs, and interests.

(D) Teaching personnel have weekly scheduled, paid, planning time outside of the classroom.

(E) Children have access to visual or pictorial classroom schedule.

(2) In addition to interest areas, curriculum, and lesson plans, children 2 years of age and older are given the opportunity to join enhancement activities promoting basic skills and higher level thinking.

(A) Enhancement activities:

(i) are conducted routinely throughout the year;

(ii) are documented on the lesson plan; and

(iii) may be rotated based on children's needs and interests.

(B) Four-star programs implement two or more enhancement activities, and five-star programs implement four or more enhancement activities. Examples may include:

(i) additional outdoor interest areas;

(ii) additional indoor interest areas;

(iii) invitations to play helping children reflect on and extend their learning;

(iv) nature-related activities;

(v) social studies;

(vi) community involvement;

(vii) health and physical wellness;

(viii) nutrition;

(ix) foreign language;

(x) theater;

(xi) sign language;

(xii) child- or adult-led clubs;

(xiii) cooking lessons;

(xiv) science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM);

(xv) on-site contracted activities, such as dance lessons, gymnastics lessons, or sports;

(xvi) life skills; or

(xvii) activities promoting Native American culture and language.

(d) Two-, three-, four-, and five-star home criteria. Criteria in (1) through (4) of this subsection are required.

(1) A written daily schedule reflecting a balanced program of opportunities for learning, physical activity, indoor and outdoor play, rest periods, and meals is followed with flexibility meeting children's individual needs. Learning activities balance child-initiated play and caregiver-guided activities.

(2) The daily schedule is posted.

(3) Children are read to for a minimum of 15 minutes each day.

(4) Television or other screen time is not used for children 1 year of age and younger. • 1

(5) Caregivers prepare children for transitions. A written plan is maintained, per OAC 340:110-1-8.5.

(e) Four- and five-star home criteria. Criteria in (d) of this Section and in (1) through (6) of this subsection are required.

(1) Children have access to art, block building, book reading, dramatic play, manipulative play, and music and movement.

(2) The program implements lesson plans with developmentally appropriate activities aligning with ELG or Oklahoma Academic Standards. Lesson plans identify ELG or Oklahoma Academic Standards and are shared with families.

(3) Curriculum or lesson plans provide for the children's various ages, abilities, developmental stages, social-emotional development, special needs, and interests.

(4) Caregivers lead and participate daily in at least two developmentally-appropriate physical activities for all children.

(5) In addition to curriculum or lesson plans, children 2 years of age and older are given the opportunity to join enhancement activities promoting basic skills and higher level thinking.

(A) Enhancement activities:

(i) are conducted routinely throughout the year;

(ii) documented on the lesson plan; and

(iii) may be rotated based on children's needs and interests.

(B) Four-star homes implement one or more enhancement activities, and five-star homes implement two or more enhancement activities. Examples may include:

(i) outdoor interest areas;

(ii) indoor interest areas;

(iii) invitations to play helping children reflect on and extend their learning;

(iv) nature-related activities;

(v) social studies;

(vi) community involvement;

(vii) health and physical wellness;

(viii) nutrition;

(ix) foreign language;

(x) theater;

(xi) sign language;

(xii) cooking lessons;

(xiii) science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM);

(xiv) on-site contracted activities, such as dance lessons, gymnastics lessons, or sports;

(xv) life skills; or

(xvi) activities promoting Native American culture and language.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:110-1-8.8

Revised 11-1-18

1. Screen time is defined as viewing electronic media with a screen, such as television (TV), digital video display (DVD), videos, video games, phones, and computers. Screen time includes viewing screens while others use the media. Exceptions to screen time include:

(1) electronic media involving physical activity participation;

(2) electronic media when used for children's homework;

(3) e-readers when used for reading;

(4) smart boards and tables when used for hands-on learning activities, such as drawing or puzzles;

(5) occasional special activities, such as watching a movie; and

(6) assistive or adaptive technology for children with disabilities.

2. It is not required that outdoor learning centers be permanently set up outdoors or made available during special group activities.

3. Out-of-school time programs may use Oklahoma Academic standards as a resource for lesson and curriculum planning.