Preschool Programs Identified by an AU to be Added to the CDE-Verified List of Preschool Programs Eligible to Serve Children with IEPs

CDE Verification

Identification of Preschool Provider by AU

When an AU identifies a program to be added to the CDE-Verified List they will notify CDE using the Request to Add Preschool Provider to Verified List form. The AU will collaborate with the Preschool Provider to determine training needs that meet the requirements.

The AU will request a public school code for the prospective provider, if the program does not already have one, using the Request for New School Code Form

Additional Technical Assistance

Support will be provided to the AU to develop a training plan. Each program being placed on the CDE-Verified List will be assigned a CDE consultant for as-needed support, provided through collaboration and involvement of the sponsoring AU, as jointly determined.

Assurance that the Preschool Provider has completed Training

Completion of required training will be tracked at the program level by the AU and confirmation provided to CDE. Once a preschool program has completed the training requirements, the AU will confirm the training and licensing or authorization requirements have been met and inform CDE. The AU will assure CDE that a current agreement or MOU between the AU and the Preschool Provider meets the CDE standards by using the AU Assurances to Add Preschool Provider Form (PDF). CDE will then add the program to the CDE-Verified List, which is posted at the link above.

Ongoing Supervision and Direction

Once a Preschool Provider has been added to the CDE-Verified List, it is the program leadership's responsibility to train new staff. The AU will oversee and confirm that training is met in an ongoing manner through an MOU and make an assurance that ongoing supervision will take place.

Exemptions from Training Requirements

All personnel who hold a CDE Educator License are exempt from these minimum training requirements.

Training Requirements

Part 1 Required Courses

All individuals who support preschoolers with an IEP who do not have a CDE educator license for their specified role are required to complete the following coursework in the PDIS. Training certificates may be provided to confirm prior completion of these courses.

• Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs (for individual early childhood qualified teachers and qualified child care director)
• Supporting Young Children Through Inclusive Care  (for individual early childhood qualified teachers and qualified child care director)
• Introduction to Child Assessment (for individual early childhood qualified teachers)
• How to Use Authentic Child Assessment Data to Achieve Positive Outcomes - Educator Focus (for individual early childhood qualified teacher)
• How to Use Authentic Child Assessment Data to Achieve Positive Outcomes - Administrator Focus (for qualified child care directors)

Part 2 Training Plan

The AU will collaboratively create a training plan for Preschool Providers that meets the following content requirements. CDE will offer support as needed. The implementation of the training plan is expected to occur prior to children being placed in the program provided through a combination of small group or individual training with AU staff focused on meeting the CDE Standards for Placement of Preschoolers with IEPs in Educational Programs. Training resources are available to address the required content in the Optional Professional Learning page of this handbook. The Colorado Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals will be addressed in the required content of the training plan.

Training Plan Content

• Program structures that support IDEA
  • Child care center license to be 2.5 years + for placements of children less than 3 years old
  • group size and staffing structures support inclusive environments
• Universal Design for Learning and embedding learning opportunities into classroom routines through teaming with special educators (CGDL 10.1, 10.2)
• Teaming and collaboration between general and special educators for developing goals, delivery of specially designed instruction, and providing appropriate accommodations and modifications (CGDL 8.1., 8.2, 8.3, 10.3, TP 12.1., TP 12.2)
• Results Matter implementation will include expectations for Inter-Rater Reliability, data quality, data sharing, use of data for instructional and service planning, authentic assessment, and child outcomes reporting (COA 4.2., 4.3.). Training plan will include a requirement to complete the basic courses in the Results Matter tool selected for use by the AU
• Review of materials in CDE’s Preschool MOU Toolkit. Covers: What is an MOU, the criteria for an MOU with the AU, the procedure for oversight and monitoring of the MOU

Agreements Between Administrative Units and Preschool Providers

AUs have the legal responsibility for ensuring FAPE. As a result, each AU is responsible for oversight and accountability, including providing appropriate supports, when private and community-based programs are utilized for the provision of FAPE. This document serves as an overview of the CDE established criteria.

• Content considerations for Administrative Unit Memorandum of Understandings with Community Based Child Care Programs (PDF) - October 2023
• Guidance on Creating an Effective Memorandum of Understanding to Support High-Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Systems (Oct. 5, 2022)