Program Indicators of Quality The Iowa Indicators of Quality were developed jointly by the Even Start Staff, the State Coordinator and specialists in family literacy and program administration. These Indicators were revised to better reflect a variety of developments. These indicators include the new federal requirements, reference to research-based practice, and Iowa practice of continuous program improvements. The federal program elements are indicated in this manner: [Sec.1235-x] Iowa Even Start programs will work to assist participants in improving their lives by offering educational opportunities for low-income families through a unified family literacy program that integrates early childhood education, adult literacy and education, and parenting education. . 12 Program Indicators 75-100% ‑ 9-12 Indicators ‑ Sufficient Progress 50-75%‑ 6-9 Indicators – Conditional Progress Below 50% ‑ Below 5 Indicators ‑ Insufficient Progress
Objective A Even Start Programs will integrate adult, child, and family components to provide high quality family literacy programs that meet the diverse needs of the community and participants.	Indicator #1 Identification and recruitment of those adults with at least one child who meet enrollment requirements and are most in need of the program. [Sec.1235-1 & 14]	Measure Record of the number of families enrolled and demographic information. (same as program data requirements)	Data/Evidence Demographic information with totals for the program required 10/1 and 6/1 of each program year: Number of adults. Number of children. Number of families. Number of adults who are ELL. Number of families at or below federal poverty level.
	Indicator #2 Screen and prepare parents and children to participate fully through related services. [Sec.1235-2]	Measure Process for prioritization of families to be served. Intake form.	Data/Evidence Demographic information with totals for the program required 10/1 and 6/1 of each program year: Number of adults. Number of children. Number of families. Number of adults who are ELL. Number of families at or below federal poverty level.
	Indicator #3 Include special training of staff to develop the skills necessary to work with parents and young children in the full range of instructional services and to ensure the provision of high quality family literacy programs. [Sec.1235-6]	Measure List of educational training provided to Even Start staff and teachers, staff and teacher evaluation of educational training.	Data/Evidence Form S – Staff Qualifications and Training Form.
	Indicator #4 Employ qualified staff. [Sec.1235-5]	Measure Majority of the staff holds a AA, BA or graduate degree and shall meet state qualifications. Paraprofessionals will have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED (within 4 years). Administrators have family literacy program operation training.	Data/Evidence Number of % of professional staff with specific degree. Number of % of paraprofessionals with diploma or GED. Number of % of administrators with family literacy training.
Objective B Even Start Programs in the State of Iowa will create school, family, community, and educational partnerships to meet the diverse needs of the participants.	Indicator #5 Collaborative partnerships with public schools, community agencies, businesses, and local, state, and federal government agencies. [Sec.1235-9]	Measure List of partnerships created and mutual benefits and shared services.	Data/Evidence Written status report from partners and feedback on benefits and shared services. Data used for planning and need analysis. Form P – Program Assurances.
	Indicator #6 Assure that there is a process for equitable participation of students (families) enrolled in private school.	Measure Letter of program introduction and contact of appropriate non-public entities.	Data/Evidence Form P – Program Assurances.
Objective C Operate a high quality program.	Indicator #7 Use of environmental rating scale or self-study of program.	Measure NAEYC Self Study and Accreditation. Harms and Clifford Environmental Rating Scales. ECERS ITERS FCCERS	Data/Evidence Form E Status report on the selected measure of environment rating, timeline and results. Certificate or rating.
	Indicator #8 Provide and monitor integrated instructional services to participating parents and children through home-based programs. [Sec.1235-7]	Measure Calendar of Year of Operation.	Data/Evidence Year End Report. Hours of Program Offering and Participation Rates.
	Indicator #9 Operate on a year-round basis, including the provision of some program services, including instructional and enrichment services, during the summer months. [Sec. 1235-8]	Measure Calendar of Year of Operation.	Data/Evidence Hours of Program Offering and Participation Rates.
	Indicator #10 Use instructional programs based on scientifically based reading research for children and adults, to the extent that research is available. [Sec.1235-10]	Measure Identification of research based curriculum and practice.
	Indicator #11 Accommodate the participants’ work schedule and other responsibilities. [Sec.1235-3]	Measure Schedule of Operation or coordination with partners.
	Indicator #12 Provide for an independent evaluation of the program, to be used for program improvement. [Sec.1235-15]	Measure Local Evaluator Plan Program Improvement Plan	Data/Evidence Year End Evaluation Year End State Data Collection complete. Program Improvement Plan.