1. (a) A district-wide early education program must

   1. (1) adopt an evidence-based program of learning that complies with the standards of (b) of this section;
   2. (2) have a certificated teacher in charge of the program who meets the criteria of AS 14.07.165(a)(5)(B);
   3. (3) implement the guidelines for an early education program described in the department's State of Alaska Early Learning Guidelines, adopted by reference in 4 AAC 60.170;
   4. (4) have a minimum day in session of two hours a day, five days a week; and
   5. (5) accommodate the early education needs of district children and their families, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.
2. (b) The standards for a high quality early education program provided by a district-wide early education program, as set out in the department's publication Alaska Early Education Program Standards, dated April 2023, are adopted by reference.
3. (c) A school district that complies with (a) and (b) of this section may adapt its early learning program to align with the cultural values and customs of the district community.

(Eff. 7/1/2023, Register 247)

Authority: AS 14.07.020, AS 14.07.060, AS 14.07.165, AS 14.17.180