                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

UNIFORM MEASUREMENT AND IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM; REGIONAL ENTITIES; ESTABLISHMENT (§
22.1-289.05)

A. The Board shall establish a uniform measurement and improvement system
designed to provide parents and families with information about the quality and
availability of publicly funded providers. Such system shall include:

   1. Service provision and performance targets for children from birth to age
   five that align with standards for kindergarten readiness and early elementary
   grades;

   2. Consistent quality standards;

   3. Outcome-based measurements; and

   4. Incentives to encourage participation and improvement.

B. All publicly funded providers shall be required to participate in the uniform
measurement and improvement system established pursuant to subsection A. All
other child day programs may participate in such system. Any participation in
such system shall comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations,
including the federal Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. &#xA7; 9801 et seq.), as
amended, and associated regulations.

C. The Board shall establish consequences for publicly funded providers that
fail to participate in the uniform measurement and improvement system
established pursuant to subsection A or persistently fail to meet minimal
quality standards.

D. The Board shall establish a system of regional entities that will be
responsible for coordinating early childhood care and education services,
guiding quality improvement of such services and coordinated access to such
services for families, and implementing the uniform measurement and improvement
system.

HISTORY: 2020, cc. 860, 861; 2022, c. 524.