Other Standards – Pre-k

Ten Benchmarks Of Quality

The following 10 Benchmarks of Quality were identified by the MSDE Task Force for MSDE accredited preschools. The benchmarks provide standards to follow and reflect best practices in preschool education in Maryland for all pre-k children.

Curriculum Standards

Preschool programs must implement a state-approved, preschool curriculum that is aligned with the MMSR Framework and Standards/ MSC.

Teacher Degree Requirement

Preschool teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Teacher Specialized Training

Pre-service requirements for teachers must include specialized training in pre-kindergarten.

Assistant Teacher Degree Requirement

Assistant teachers are required to hold or be working towards a CDA or equivalent training.

Professional Development

Teachers must participate in at least 15 clock hours of professional development per year. As part of the collaboration with HCPSS, teachers at The Young School and the Children’s Learning Center have the opportunity to attend some of the same professional development in-services as Howard County pre-K teachers.

Maximum Class Size

Class size must be limited to 20 children.

Staff-child Ratio

The staff-child ratio must be one adult to ten children.

Developmental Screening

All four year olds enrolled at The Young School and the Children’s Learning Center may receive vision and hearing screening through the Howard County Health Department. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the ASQ- Social-Emotional is to be completed by all parents of four year olds enrolled at The Young School and the Children’s Learning Center.

Meal Requirements

Meals should be administered according to grant requirements.

Monitoring

The Young School and Children’s Learning Center will host at least one site visit per year to ensure quality standards are upheld.