Preschool Special Education programs are governed by federal and state IDEA requirements. All have specific funding source requirements. Program licensing provides the foundation for quality initiatives through program standards. Decisions regarding monitoring are based upon multiple factors and sources of information. In order to promote an early childhood system that is aligned horizontally across programs at the state level and at the local level, monitoring processes are held consistent across programs.
Variation is evident in the content of the standards used.
Over a period of time and based upon data, all school districts in Ohio will be evaluated for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing the provision of services. If a specific program receives both federal and state monies to support program operation such as Head Start or preschool special education, one of the types of program evaluation described in the following chart may be conducted. Programs that receive only state money will not receive a program review conducted by a federal team, but may be scheduled for one of the other three types listed the chart. Types of Program Evaluations Program Review Conducted by a Federal Team Programs that receive federal funding may be reviewed by the funding source. These reviews may be a comprehensive examination of the program s operation and implementation of standards or a specific audit of the use of funds.