(a) All ABC Program classroom programs shall satisfy the requirements specified in:

1. (1) Arkansas Code §§ 20-78-201 – 20-78-224; and
2. (2) Rules enacted by the Office of Early Childhood pursuant to this part.

(b)

1. (1) All ABC-Program-center-based or family-home-based programs shall maintain a license in good standing as referenced in subsection (a) of this section.
2. (2) Any ABC Program whose license is revoked shall be immediately terminated from the ABC Program.

(c)

1. (1) Entities that are on a federal, state, or agency suspension or debarment list are not eligible to participate in the ABC Program.
2. (2) Grant agreements for any existing programs excluded due to this section shall be terminated immediately.
3. (3) Programs placed on corrective action by OEC are subject to ABC Program compliance action as outlined in 6 CAR § 100-219.

(d)

1. (1) The office is directly responsible for the inspection and evaluation of programs as referenced in subsection (a) of this section.
2. (2) Inspections and monitoring visits may occur without prior notice.
3. (3) This includes quality visits, program reviews, or any other visit by an office or authorized representative.

(e)

1. (1)

   1. (A) All ABC Programs shall meet the criteria for academic approval set by the State Board of Education.
   2. (B) A state-approved quality rating assessment tool will be utilized to determine a classroom and program quality rating under the Arkansas Early Care and Education Approval System Rules, Arkansas Code §§ 6-45-103 and 6-45-106.
2. (2) Any agency that is not renewed pursuant to this policy shall be ineligible to reapply for an ABC Program grant for a period of twelve (12) months.

3. (3)

   1. (A) At the discretion of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the following may be considered as mitigating circumstances:

(i) Impact of deficiencies on child health;

1. (ii) Safety and welfare;

   1. (iii) Willingness to improve upon factors within agency control; and

      1. (iv) Likelihood of program passing next review and the time in which such improvements can be implemented.
   2. (B) Recommendations for improvement may include staff changes.

(f)

1. (1) For each child enrolled, ABC Programs shall provide a minimum of seven (7) hours a day for up to one hundred seventy-eight (178) days per school calendar year.
2. (2) Extended hours do not count as additional days for funding.
3. (3) Funding is based on the number of days.
4. (4) Any days fewer than the one hundred seventy-eight (178) days will be prorated based on the daily rate of the program established by the office.

(g)

1. (1) Classroom-based programs shall follow public school rules regarding the time requirements for teacher planning periods.
2. (2) However, planning periods for ABC Program teachers shall be scheduled at a time that does not violate minimum staff-child ratios or other ABC Program standards.

(h)

1. (1) Programs shall provide families with the program’s attendance and tardy policy.
2. (2) Regular and consistent attendance is expected.
3. (3) For children to receive the full benefit from the ABC instructional program, children must have regular attendance.