The department shall develop standards for the implementation of quality programs. Indicators of quality shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A physical environment that is safe and appropriate to the ages of the children and that meets applicable licensing standards.

(b) Program activities and services that are age appropriate and meet the developmental needs of each child.

(c) Program activities and services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of children and families, including, but not limited to, program activities and services that meet the needs of dual language learners for support in the development of their home language and English.

(d) Family and community involvement.

(e) Parent education.

(f) Efficient and effective local program administration.

(g) Staff that possesses the appropriate and required qualifications, experience, training, or a combination thereof. The appropriate staff qualifications shall reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural makeup of the children and families in the child care and development program. The use of intergenerational staff shall be encouraged.

(h) Program activities and services that meet the needs of children with exceptional needs and their families.

(i) Support services for children, families, and providers of care.

(j) Resource and referral services.

(k) Alternative payment services.

(l) Provision for nutritional needs of children.

(m) Social services that include, but are not limited to, identification of child and family needs and referral to appropriate agencies.

(n) Health services that include referral of children to appropriate agencies for services.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 62, Sec. 18. (AB 210) Effective June 30, 2022.)