All ELI programs are full time programs available 52 weeks per year to
to meet the needs of working families.

Participants can look forward to:

	A credentialed teacher (BA or AA in Early Childhood Education) is in each classroom
	A ratio of 10 children to 1 teacher is in each class.  The maximum group size cannot exceed 20
	The curriculum must be research-based, aligned to the Early Learning Content Standards, and have an assessment tool
	Child screenings • Vision, Hearing • Speech • Dental • Heights and Weights • Developmental
	Parent involvement at centers • Shared decision making, lesson planning, parent/teacher conferences   The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) that is designed to provide children, often identified as at risk of school failure, with educational experiences that will help them enter kindergarten ready for success; and meet the child care needs of working families.   Children’s Eligibility · County departments of Job and Family Services will determine eligibility. · Children ages 3 and 4 are eligible for the ELI if their families are eligible for Title IV-A, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services. To view the INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for ELI Click Here     Provider Requirements · Provide planned instruction by a teacher who is enrolled in a program leading to an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or holds an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education. · Implement curriculum aligned with the ODE Early Learning Content Standards. · Participate in professional development as determined or required by the ODE, Office of Early Learning and School Readiness. · Assess program quality on a biannual basis to determine program capacity and professional development needs, through the Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation Guide (ELLCO). · Monitor and report child progress using the assessment “Get It Got It Go.”   Quality Assurance through Licensing and Monitoring · ELI providers will be licensed by ODJFS or ODE. · ELI providers will meet Ohio’s Early Learning Program Guidelines for School Readiness. · ODE will monitor adherence with program standards and will report noncompliant providers to ODJFS. · ODJFS will do all fiscal monitoring and audits. · ODE will conduct an evaluation of program implementation and child progress. · Applicants must meet program guidelines and if accepted a contract specifying a flat per-child rate for service will be offered. · ODE will select the providers who meet the program requirements, with assistance from ODJFS. Slots will then be allocated per the formula, if necessary. · ODJFS and ODE will enter into contract with the provider    to view the full report of the Ohio Department of Education's Earling Learning Content Standards           Resources: Ohio's Early Learning Initiative (April 2004) Retrieved on 8/13/05 at http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/docs/EarlyLearningInitiative.pdf