NLSA visiting team validation of required indicators of success 2022.xlsx

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I
1	NLSA Required Indicators of Success 2022	pre-work from self study review	parent ?'s	observation during visit	files	staff ?'s	onsite documentation	leadership ?'s	visual during visit
2	1A:01* The early childhood program has a mission and ministry statement designed specifically for the center that reflects the congregational mission and ministry statement.	X
3	1A:02: The mission and ministry statement of the center is intentionally communicated to the congregation as well as to the early childhood staff and parents/guardians.	X	X			X	X	X
4	1A:03: The mission and ministry statement is reviewed annually by congregation leaders and the early childhood administration.						X
5	1A:04: The congregation is involved in the early childhood program in a variety of ways.	X
6	1A:05: A relationship exists between the school, the congregation and the community. The mission and ministry of the congregation and early childhood program is shared with the community.	X
7	1B:06* The written philosophy is Bible-based and reflects a Christ-centered approach to learning.	X
8	1B:07* The written philosophy includes reference to spiritual, social/emotional, cognitive, physical and creative development of young children with an emphasis on the importance of play.	X
9	1B:08: The statement of philosophy has been formally approved and/or adopted by the congregation.						X
10	1B:09: The school reviews its philosophy annually and revises, as needed.						X
11	1B:10: The school’s philosophy is communicated to staff, parents/guardians and the operating congregation(s).	X	X			X
12	2A:01* A statement of nondiscrimination is evident in school printed materials and assures that students are admitted without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.	X
13	2A:02: The school provides a variety of education opportunities for families throughout the year.		X				X
14	2A:03: The school uses orientation methods for new families.		X				X
15	2A:04: The school communicates center activities to families.	X
16	2A:05: Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the center.		X
17	2A:06: Parents/guardians are given opportunities to volunteer and support the school.		X				X
18	2A:07: Parents/guardians are annually asked to evaluate the program based on purpose, goals and objectives.						X
19	2A:08: Teachers communicate with parents/guardians about any physical, cognitive, behavioral, social or emotional changes observed in children. If needed, a plan is formulated for children with special needs.		X			X
20	2A:09: State and local resources are utilized to further the program’s ability to meet the diverse needs and interests of children and families.						X
21	2A:10: All communication regarding a student is kept confidential.	X				X
22	2A:11: Conferences are held with parents/guardians at least once each year and additionally as needed/requested or required by state licensing agencies.						X
23	2A:12: Parents/guardians are provided with opportunities to be included and involved in the church community.						X
24	2A:13:Resources and materials are available to families to further the faith and general development of young children in the home.						X		X
25	2A:14: Parents/guardians are informed of the yearly calendar, themes and special activities.		X				X
26	2A:15: Curricular goals and objectives are shared with parents/guardians.		X				X
27	2A:16: Written information given to parents/guardians in a handbook or other publications includes:	X
28	Ministry and mission statement	X
29	Philosophy statement	X
30	Non-discrimination statement	X
31	Discipline policy	X
32	Hours of operation, holidays, scheduled closings, school calendar	X
33	Payments, refunds, discounts or other costs	X
34	Emergency plans of the center	X
35	Student release procedures	X
36	Other information as mandated by state or local governing agencies	X
37	2A:17: Teachers and parents/guardians form a partnership to establish and maintain two-way communication to enhance the Christian education experience and ensure that children’s needs are met.		X			X
38	2B:18* The school is operated by one or more congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or maintains an active RSO status with the Synod.	X
39	2B:19: The school provides opportunities for congregational involvement to promote its mission and ministry.							X
40	2B:20: A team ministry exists between the pastor and other church/school staff, supporting each other spiritually, personally and professionally.					X		X
41	2B:21: The center and congregation work collaboratively to develop and effectively implement an evangelism approach (i.e. activities, strategies, methods) for families with children who do not have an identified church home or attend church regularly.							X
42	2B:22: Families are made aware of church programs and activities.		X				X
43	2B:23: The center provides age-appropriate chapel services to foster faith development.			X			X
44	2B:24: All early childhood staff members participate in various activities of the sponsoring congregation.	X				X
45	2B:25: Everyone employed by the center is actively involved in worship and the congregational life of his / her home church.	X
46	2B:26: The pastor and other ministry leaders are visible in the center and provide spiritual guidance.					X
47	2B:27: The pastor participates in early childhood center activities.					X		X
48	2B:28: The pastor expands his knowledge of early childhood practices to become better able to communicate with young children and families.	X
49	2B:29: The congregation provides spiritual support for the staff, students and their families.		X			X
50	2B:30 The congregation provides financial support for the center.	X
51	2B:31: The congregation has a plan for financial assistance to families with limited financial resources.						X
52	2C:32* The school’s mission and ministry statement reflects a unified school.	X
53	2C:33: The governing authority of the school includes representation from all educational levels and maintains a unified school ministry.	X
54	2C:34: The director and elementary school administrator(s) meet regularly to coordinate shared aspects of the school ministry.							X
55	2C:35:All-staff fellowship opportunities are offered throughout the year					X	X
56	2C:36: Combined educational programs and/or activities are planned annually for all age groups.						X
57	2C:37: The early childhood and kindergarten teachers work together and share information regarding students’ readiness and indicators for school success (i.e. screenings, records, portfolios, assessments).					X
58	2C:38: The early childhood and kindergarten teachers work cooperatively to provide a smooth transition for students and parents/guardians.					X
59	2C:39: School criteria for student placement is defined and shared with parents/guardians.						X
60	3A:01* The operating organization designates the governing authority and has written policies clearly defining lines of governing authority, responsibilities, limitations of the governing authority and membership.	X
61	3A:02: The governing authority meets and minutes are kept for each meeting.	X
62	3A:03: The governing authority receives reports from the director at each meeting.	X
63	3A:04: Governance policies are determined at official meetings and recorded in the minutes.	X
64	3A:05: The governing authority has established policies that set forth rules and expectations by which the governing authority completes its tasks.	X
65	3A:06: The governing authority has clearly defined policies regarding open attendance at meetings and executive sessions.	X
66	3A:07: Governing authority policies are collected into a policy manual, separate from the minutes.	X
67	3A:08: No conflict of interest exists between members of the governing authority and the early childhood staff.							X
68	3A:09: Neither the governing authority nor its individual members involve themselves in the day-to-day operations and management of the center as defined by written policies.							X
69	3A:10: The governing authority monitors itself for adherence to policies.							X
70	3A:11: The governing authority makes appropriate reports to the operating organization(s).						X
71	3A:12:The governing authority has adopted comprehensive job descriptions for the director and staff.	X
72	3A:13: The governing authority provides for the annual evaluation of the director based on job description.						X
73	3A:14: The governing authority has written policies or position descriptions clearly delineating supervisory relationships for all staff.	X
74	3A:15: The governing authority has approved a process for the supervision and evaluation of staff members that is implemented by the director annually.						X
75	3A:16: The governing authority provides adequate paid time for the director to perform administrative duties. If the director is teaching, adequate release time is provided for administrative duties.							X
76	3A:17: The governing authority ensures that lead teachers are provided weekly paid planning time away from responsibility of children.					X
77	3A:18: The governing body ensures that staff is provided with a separate break area and adult restrooms. Staff members have ways of taking breaks at times of high stress.			X		X
78	3A:19: The governing authority provides opportunities for ongoing professional growth for all staff.					X	X
79	3A:20: The governing authority has a needs assessment process in place for evaluating the effectiveness of the school.							X
80	3A:21: The governing authority uses needs assessment process information for school-wide, long-term, systematic planning.							X
81	3A:22: The governing authority establishes written short and long-range goals for the early childhood program to effectively implement the program’s vision and mission.	X
82	3A:23: The governing authority communicates staff and parent grievance and due-process resolution procedures in writing.	X
83	3A:24:The governing authority members actively serve as advocates for the early childhood program.							X
84	3A:25: The governing authority establishes policies that provide for annual budget planning	X
85	3A:26: The governing authority and director are responsible for coordinating the school’s financial plan with the operating congregation’s financial plan.	X
86	3A:27: The governing authority and director ensure that sources of income and expenditures reflect the school philosophy and promote student growth.							X
87	3A:28: Salaries and remuneration reflect the current LCMS district recommended salary scale and salaries are reviewed annually.				X
88	3A:29: The governing authority provides a benefit package for full-time workers and compensation packages for all employees as required by state and federal regulations.				X	X
89	3A:30: The governing authority ensures that liability insurance is maintained for the school.						X
90	3B:31* The director demonstrates a personal Christian faith, a commitment to Lutheran education and a dedication to the teaching ministry.	X
91	3B:32: The director implements policies as established by the governing authority and develops procedures to effectively manage the day-to-day operation of the program.			X
92	3B:33: The director’s personal profile and qualifications fulfill the job description requirements which include a minimum age of 21.	X
93	3B:34: The director has at least a bachelor’s degree with no less than 18 semester hours in early childhood education or is actively working toward accomplishing this requirement.	X
94	3B:35: The director is involved in worship in his/her home church and is supportive of the sponsoring congregation’s ministries.	X
95	3B:36: The director completes a minimum of 15 clock hours of job-related continuing education each year or follows the requirements of state licensing for each year (whichever has a higher requirement).				X
96	3B:37: The director participates in district-sponsored conferences and events.				X
97	3B:38: The director submits information and statistics to the district and the synod annually.	X
98	3B:39: The director is a member of at least one professional organization and remains current in early childhood education trends and practices.	X
99	3B:40: The director interacts with other early childhood professionals.							X
100	3B:41: The director consults with the pastor(s) of the sponsoring congregation.							X