State of Vermont

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES

AGENCY OF HUMAN SERVICES

Osgood Building 103 South Main Street

Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2401

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Purpose:           To clarify in which cases the Department of Education or the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services has jurisdiction for licensing, approval and recognition of preschool and kindergarten program.

Parties:           Department of Education (DOE)

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)

Issue:              Independent kindergarten programs and center-based early childhood (preschool) programs have been able to gain authorization to operate either through SRS or DOE based upon differing criteria. This Memorandum of Understanding is to clarify the authority of the two departments in respect to developing uniform standards and application procedures.

Policy:

1.   Kindergarten in public school: DOE has sole authorizing authority.

Facilities, program, curriculum and staffing qualifications are authorized by the Department of Education solely.

2.   Independent kindergarten programs that stand alone or are within a Birth to Kindergarten setting: DOE and SRS have joint authorizing authority.

a.   Programs which are designated as Approved Kindergartens are required to meet SRS regulations for facilities. Program, curriculum and staff qualifications must meet DOE standards.

b.   Programs which are designated as Recognized Kindergartens must meet SRS regulations for facilities and staff requirements and meet DOE standards for program and curriculum.

3. Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Programs:  SRS has sole licensing authority.

All Early Childhood Programs serving children from birth to kindergarten, regardless if they are located within public schools or private centers, must be licensed by SRS. Additionally, programs conducted by public schools may be subject to additional staff or program requirements by the Department of Education.

Support and Technical Assistance:

Existing resources within the Child Care Services Division, SRS and the Early Education Unit, DOE, will be committed to provide ongoing technical assistance and monitoring of programs to assure and assist in their meeting the above-stated requirements.

_______________________________                                  __________________________________

William M. Young, Commissioner                                             Marc Hull, Commissioner

Department of Social and                                                          Department of Education

Rehabilitation Services

___5/28/99______________________                                  6/4/99_____________________________

Date                                                                                         Date