The National Institute for Early Education Research has established ten criteria for evaluating pre-K programs:
- Comprehensive early learning standards
- Lead teacher must have a BA degree
- Lead teacher must have a specialization in early childhood education
- Assistant teachers must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
- Teachers must complete at least 15 hours of in-service training each year
- Maximum class size of 20
- Staff-child ratio of 1:10 or better
- Vision, hearing, and health screening and referral are required, along with at least one family support service
- At least one meal per day is offered
- Required site visits by state monitors