2011 Indiana Code
TITLE 20. EDUCATION
ARTICLE 20. PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE
CHAPTER 28. EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

IC 20-20-28
Chapter 28. Early Childhood Programs

IC 20-20-28-1
"Early childhood program"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "early childhood program" refers to a voluntary parental education program for parents of children from birth to less than three (3) years of age that provides these parents with information and activities to help the parents better prepare children for school.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-2
"Latch key program"
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "latch key program" means a voluntary school age child care program for children who attend kindergarten through grade 6 and that at a minimum, operates after the school day and may include periods before school is in session or during periods when school is not in session.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-3
"Preschool program"
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "preschool program" refers to a voluntary school readiness program for children who are at least three (3) years of age and not enrolled in at least kindergarten.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-4
Targeting at risk students; pilot programs; early childhood specialist
Sec. 4. (a) The department shall establish pilot programs targeting at risk students in the following areas:
(1) Early childhood parental information programs.
(2) Latch key programs.
(3) Preschool programs.
(b) In establishing the pilot programs under this chapter, the department shall focus on implementing programs that enable the local school corporation and appropriate community agencies to cooperate with each other.
(c) The department shall address the following in establishing the programs:
(1) Screening for physical health problems that can inhibit school success.
(2) Screening for learning disabilities.
(3) Parental orientation and participation.
(d) In addition, the department shall employ an early childhood specialist and support staff personnel to identify and determine ways to coordinate the educational programs offered by local youth serving organizations. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-5
Participation by school corporations; selection; contracts with nonprofit corporations
Sec. 5. (a) The department:
(1) shall select certain school corporations to participate in the respective pilot programs listed in section 4 of this chapter; and
(2) may select school corporations that have a pilot program as described in section 4 of this chapter in existence on June 30, 1990.
(b) A school corporation may enter into an agreement with a nonprofit corporation to provide early childhood education, preschool education, or latch key programs. However, if a school corporation enters into a contract for preschool education, the nonprofit corporation:
(1) must operate a federally approved preschool education program; and
(2) may not be religiously affiliated.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-6
Guidelines
Sec. 6. The department shall develop guidelines necessary to implement this chapter.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.

IC 20-20-28-7
Report
Sec. 7. Each school corporation that participates in a pilot program under this chapter shall prepare a written report detailing all of the pertinent information concerning the implementation of the pilot program, including any recommendations made and conclusions drawn from the pilot program. The school corporation shall submit the report to the department.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.4.