{"ok":true,"data":{"id":"doc-org-2230","slug":"iceqc-org-2230","documentNumber":"ICEQC-ORG-2230","title":"International Early Childhood Education Quality Applicability Module","shortTitle":"International Early Childhood Applicability Module","documentType":"Standard","family":"INTERNATIONAL_SCHOOL_APPLICABILITY_MODULE","status":"PUBLISHED","edition":"2026.2","versionLabel":"Edition 2026.2","language":"en","publicationDate":"2026-10-21","effectiveDate":"2026-10-21","summary":"Expanded education-quality requirements for the international education scope defined in this document.","contentHash":"sha256-c9ba83238d4bb3c7ae40f5ad743217209df1ad7c1cd80b88223aaf72bfa260ba","editions":[{"edition":"2026.2","versionLabel":"Edition 2026.2","status":"PUBLISHED","publicationDate":"2026-10-21","effectiveDate":"2026-10-21","contentHash":"sha256-c9ba83238d4bb3c7ae40f5ad743217209df1ad7c1cd80b88223aaf72bfa260ba"}],"ownerBody":"ICEQC Sector Module Council","approvalBody":"ICEQC","transitionEndDate":null,"changeSummary":"Expanded operating requirements, scope conditions, information controls, safeguarding interfaces, continuity arrangements and provision-linked verification.","clauses":[{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-001","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"1","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-001","heading":"Scope","bodyText":"1.1 This document specifies additional education-quality requirements for international early childhood provision selected under Route IS-E of ICEQC-ORG-2200.\n\n1.2 The certification object is the accountable education organization within its confirmed scope. This document does not authorize a curriculum or confer governmental permission, accreditation, qualification recognition or an examination result. It establishes no score, ranking, grade, star or award level.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":100},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-002","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"2","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-002","heading":"Normative references","bodyText":"The following documents are normative references. Only the identified editions apply.\n\n- ICEQC-FOUNDATION-2026, Edition 2026 — applicable education-organization Foundation requirements.\n\n- ICEQC-QF-1000, Edition 2026 — Education Quality Core Requirements.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2000, Edition 2026 — Education Organization Quality Certification Scheme.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2010, Edition 2026 — Sector Applicability Module System Rules.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2120, Edition 2026 — Early Childhood Education Quality Applicability Module.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2200, Edition 2026.2 — International Schools and Programmes Education Quality Certification Standards.\n\nConditional overlays and ICEQC procedures apply as selected under ICEQC-ORG-2200, Annex G. A later edition requires a recorded incorporation or transition decision. The Edition 2026.2 documents apply together according to the selection conditions in ICEQC-ORG-2200.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":200},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-003","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"3","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-003","heading":"Terms and definitions","bodyText":"3.1 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in ICEQC-QF-1000, ICEQC-ORG-2200 and the following terms apply.\n\n3.2 **conformity (C)**: fulfilment of the complete applicable requirement, demonstrated by verified evidence.\n\n3.3 **nonconformity (NC)**: failure to fulfil an applicable requirement, established by a verified fact.\n\n3.4 **confirmed non-applicability (NA)**: verified absence of the expressly stated application condition, approved and recorded by ICEQC.\n\n3.5 **evidence limitation**: a gap or contradiction that prevents a reliable conclusion about fulfilment or applicability. An evidence limitation is unresolved evidence, rather than a conformity conclusion.","normativeKind":"DEFINITION","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":300},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-004","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"4","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-004","heading":"Certification object","bodyText":"4.1 The certification object remains the accountable education organization and the exact early childhood scope confirmed under ICEQC-ORG-2000 and ICEQC-ORG-2200.\n\n4.2 The certificate scope shall state whether the affected scope is a complete early childhood organization, a component of a through-school or a bounded programme within a wider early childhood organization.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":400},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-005","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"5","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-005","heading":"Selection rule","bodyText":"5.1 This Module is required for each early childhood component confirmed under Route IS-E.\n\n5.2 ICEQC-ORG-2120 remains the primary sector module for every affected component.\n\n5.3 A childcare-only, occasional activity, short camp, tutoring service, course product or resource supplier shall not use this Module unless organized early childhood education and Route IS-E conditions are independently fulfilled.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":500},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-006","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"6","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-006","heading":"Inherited requirements","bodyText":"6.1 The applicable education-organization Foundation requirements, ICEQC-ORG-2000, ICEQC-ORG-2010, ICEQC-ORG-2120, ICEQC-ORG-2200 and every applicable ICEQC-QF-1000 requirement continue to apply in the controlling editions identified in clause 2 and ICEQC-ORG-2200, Annex G.\n\n6.2 This Module adds international early childhood requirements and does not replace or reduce child-development, care, health, supervision, safeguarding or family obligations.\n\n6.3 Annex E identifies the principal source requirements specialized by this Module. A mapped clause shall be assessed as the international early childhood application of the cited source requirement. The source conclusion and the additional Module conclusion shall both be established, while the same evidence may be used where it remains sufficient and traceable.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":600},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-007","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"7","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-007","heading":"Education-content boundary","bodyText":"7.1 ICEQC does not prescribe, authorize, approve or rank a substantive early childhood curriculum, pedagogy, language, culture, belief, national model or commercial programme.\n\n7.2 Assessment addresses how the organization controls and implements its declared international early childhood education model.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":700},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-008","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"8","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-008","heading":"External-status boundary","bodyText":"8.1 This Module does not grant or replace permission to operate, government approval, early childhood licensing, programme-owner registration, institutional accreditation, school recognition or authority to use a third-party name or mark.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":800},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-009","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"9","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-009","heading":"No comparative status","bodyText":"9.1 This Module creates no score, rank, grade, star, tier, award or comparative position.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":900},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-010","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"10","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-010","heading":"Scope profiles","bodyText":"10.1 The composition record shall identify one of the following scope profiles:\n\n(a) Profile IS-E1 — Complete International Early Childhood Organization;\n\n(b) Profile IS-E2 — International Early Childhood Component of a Through-School; or\n\n(c) Profile IS-E3 — Bounded International Early Childhood Programme.\n\n10.2 A profile describes scope and is not a separate certification or quality level.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1000},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-011","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"11","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-011","heading":"Evidence operation","bodyText":"11.1 A single controlled record may support more than one requirement where it is current, sufficient and traceable.\n\n11.2 Duplicate documents are not required solely to mirror clause numbers.","normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1100},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-012","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"12","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-012","heading":"Conformity form","bodyText":"12.1 Clauses 13 to 36 are additional assessment units. Their application and non-applicability conditions are specified in Annex A. A final conclusion shall address the complete applicable clause. An unresolved evidence limitation shall not be converted automatically into C, NC or NA.\n\n12.2 A positive conclusion for a clause in this Module does not correct or override NC or an unresolved evidence limitation under a source requirement identified in Annex E.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1200},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-013","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"13","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-013","heading":"International early childhood scope","bodyText":"13.1 The organization shall define the age groups, developmental stages, session types, care-education boundaries, sites, hours, languages, international education model, programme profile and material exclusions within scope.\n\n13.2 The scope record shall identify the operator, sites, child age groups, sessions, hours, languages, care services and exclusions. Enrolment, room allocation, staffing and public information shall reconcile to that record.\n\n13.3 Where the provision is part of a through-school, the early childhood boundary and interfaces with older learners shall be explicit. Inclusion in a school brand shall not establish that an early childhood site or session has been assessed.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1300},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-014","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"14","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-014","heading":"International education purpose","bodyText":"14.1 The organization shall define developmentally appropriate international, intercultural or multilingual purposes and shall connect them to children's experiences, interactions, environment, family partnership and programme review.\n\n14.2 The purpose shall describe educational experiences appropriate to the children's ages, development, family context and prior language experience. It shall identify the learning and care practices through which the international purpose is delivered.\n\n14.3 Review shall use observations of children's engagement, interaction and participation together with family information. Adult expectations about future academic competition shall not replace evaluation of current developmental needs.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1400},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-015","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"15","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-015","heading":"Pedagogical framework and international model","bodyText":"15.1 The organization shall maintain a controlled pedagogical framework showing how its declared international education model supports play, communication, relationships, inquiry, development, local context and continuity without inappropriate academic acceleration.\n\n15.2 The pedagogical framework shall provide for play, interaction, movement, rest, exploration and responsive care. Planning shall allow educators to adapt to observed needs and interests while retaining the intended developmental and learning purposes.\n\n15.3 Leaders shall review practice across rooms, sessions and age groups using observation, child records and educator discussion. Formal worksheets, tests or imported materials alone shall not establish implementation of the framework or justify a school-readiness claim.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1500},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-016","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"16","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-016","heading":"Host-jurisdiction and local-context integration","bodyText":"16.1 The organization shall identify and integrate applicable host-jurisdiction early childhood, language, culture, health, care, staffing and safeguarding requirements within its declared international model.\n\n16.2 The requirement register shall identify applicable permissions, age and session limits, staffing and care conditions, facilities and protection interfaces. Responsibility for monitoring validity and changes shall be assigned.\n\n16.3 The organization shall reconcile its international model with local educational and care requirements and family context. A conflict shall be escalated and resolved through lawful controls; ICEQC certification shall not be represented as permission to disregard a local requirement.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1600},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-017","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"17","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-017","heading":"Language development and multilingual provision","bodyText":"17.1 The organization shall define the role of each language in interaction, play, learning, care, safeguarding and family communication and shall support children's comprehension, expression and participation according to developmental need. Language observation or screening shall distinguish normal additional-language development from a possible developmental need, use competent interpretation where required and avoid delayed support or unsupported diagnosis.\n\n17.2 The language model shall identify how children encounter and use each language through interaction, play and care, and how educators respond to children with differing experience. Staff allocation shall provide the language competence needed for safe and responsive communication.\n\n17.3 Observation shall distinguish familiarity with a language from a developmental difficulty. Where additional support is needed, the record shall identify the planned response, responsible person and review with the family. English publication of this standard does not prescribe English-only provision.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1700},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-018","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"18","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-018","heading":"Home language and identity continuity","bodyText":"18.1 The organization shall obtain and use relevant information about each child's home language, name, family, culture and communication practices and shall protect identity and belonging without stereotyping or compelled cultural assimilation.\n\n18.2 At entry, the organization shall obtain relevant information about the child's home language, preferred communication, familiar care practices and family priorities. The key person shall use that information in settling and daily interaction.\n\n18.3 Resources and routines shall support respectful continuity without stereotyping the child or requiring a family to abandon its home language. A communication difficulty affecting care or protection shall have an agreed response and review.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1800},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-019","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"19","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-019","heading":"Intercultural learning through everyday experience","bodyText":"19.1 The organization shall provide accurate, respectful and age-appropriate opportunities for children to encounter diverse people, languages, places, experiences and perspectives through ordinary play and learning.\n\n19.2 Educators shall select everyday experiences, stories, materials and interactions that enable children to encounter differences accurately and respectfully. Activities shall avoid treating a nationality, culture or belief as a fixed characteristic of every member.\n\n19.3 Review shall consider children's actual participation and responses. A festival display or international label alone shall not demonstrate intercultural learning. The organization shall address an identified exclusion or misleading representation in the materials or practice concerned.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":1900},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-020","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"20","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-020","heading":"Child profile and family mobility","bodyText":"20.1 The organization shall identify and respond to needs arising from relocation, language transition, family separation, repeated school change, unfamiliar routines or anticipated international transfer.\n\n20.2 The child profile shall include information necessary for care, communication, health, authorized contacts and transition, with access limited to personnel who need it. Families shall be able to correct material information.\n\n20.3 For a relocating child, the key person shall identify continuity needs and agree a settling response with the family. The organization shall review changes in participation, communication and distress and seek qualified support where a concern exceeds its competence.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2000},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-021","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"21","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-021","heading":"Admission, settling and transition information","bodyText":"21.1 Before entry and during transition, the organization shall provide and obtain sufficient information about language, routines, learning and care approach, health, safeguarding, attendance, fees, family expectations, prior experience and next-stage arrangements.\n\n21.2 Before entry, families shall receive information about sessions, care, languages, charges, support limits and authorized collection. The organization shall agree a key person, settling arrangements and a means of communicating the child's needs.\n\n21.3 Initial placement and any variation to settling shall retain the reason and review point. An incomplete prior record shall lead to proportionate information gathering and support rather than an unsupported developmental conclusion. The organization shall verify that the child is received and handed over to an authorized person.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2100},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-022","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"22","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-022","heading":"Transition to primary school or another system","bodyText":"22.1 The organization shall prepare and communicate developmentally appropriate transition information and shall transfer authorized records securely without guaranteeing admission, readiness, grade placement, credit or recognition by another school or system.\n\n22.2 Transition planning shall identify the receiving setting where known, relevant learning and care information, family consent and arrangements for secure record transfer. The child shall be supported through age-appropriate preparation rather than a promise of admission or equivalence.\n\n22.3 The outgoing record shall distinguish observation, professional assessment and information reported by a family or third party. The organization shall confirm the authorized recipient and record any information that could not be obtained or transferred.\n\n22.4 The organization shall maintain transition responsibilities and record-access arrangements even where no child has transferred during the evidence period. A transfer shall not be delayed solely by disagreement between providers or an unresolved commercial account, subject to applicable law.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2200},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-023","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"23","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-023","heading":"Personnel language and intercultural competence","bodyText":"23.1 The organization shall verify and develop personnel competence appropriate to assigned child ages, developmental needs, operating languages, international model, family contexts, safeguarding responsibilities and role boundaries.\n\n23.2 Role requirements shall identify the language and interaction competence needed for the assigned children, care routines, family communication and emergency response. Before independent assignment, the organization shall verify that personnel can perform those functions.\n\n23.3 Induction and review shall use observed interaction, care practice and family communication. A gap shall have supervision, development and a review date. Personnel shall know when interpretation or specialist support is required and shall not rely on a young child to interpret a sensitive matter.\n\n23.4 Staffing shall maintain supervision during arrival, meals, rest, personal care, outdoor activity, breaks and relief cover. A change of key person shall include handover of the child's care, communication and protection needs. Agency or relief staff shall receive the information required before taking responsibility.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2300},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-024","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"24","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-024","heading":"International recruitment and personnel suitability","bodyText":"24.1 Where personnel are recruited across jurisdictions or materially relocated, the organization shall control identity, complete employment history, references, suitability, background-check dependencies and limitations, work-status information, contracts, induction and safeguarding gaps. A missing or unavailable external check shall trigger documented supplementary verification and supervision and shall not be treated as a clear check.\n\n24.2 Recruitment shall reconcile identity, qualifications, complete employment history, references and relevant suitability checks across jurisdictions. An unavailable external check shall be recorded with its limitation and supplementary checks; it shall not be marked satisfactory merely because no record was returned.\n\n24.3 Before unsupervised access, the responsible leader shall approve the suitability decision and any restrictions. Induction shall cover conduct, safeguarding, intimate care, reporting and local referral. Agency, relief and contracted personnel shall be included in the controls appropriate to their access.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies where cross-jurisdiction recruitment or relocation occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2400},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-025","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"25","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-025","heading":"Learning environment and cultural representation","bodyText":"25.1 The organization shall select and monitor indoor, outdoor and digital materials, imagery, stories, play resources and displays for developmental suitability, accessibility, accuracy, cultural respect and representation of the children and wider world.\n\n25.2 The organization shall select materials and arrange indoor and outdoor spaces for the children's ages, access needs and declared language model. Review shall include safe use, supervision, accessibility and accurate representation of people and communities.\n\n25.3 An unsuitable or unsafe item shall be removed or controlled and the reason recorded where necessary for follow-up. A photograph, display or resource depicting children shall have an appropriate basis for use. A prepared display shall not replace evidence of children's ordinary access to learning and care.\n\n25.4 Digital and physical materials shall be reviewed when a child's developmental abilities or access needs change. For an unfamiliar resource, the responsible educator shall check suitability before use and monitor its effect in ordinary interaction.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2500},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-026","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"26","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-026","heading":"Family communication and language access","bodyText":"26.1 The organization shall provide understandable and reliable communication for routine learning, care, consent, health, safeguarding, fees and refunds, changes, complaints, reviews, protected reporting and emergencies across the material languages of families in scope. Essential translations shall be controlled for accuracy, version and precedence, and good-faith use of a complaint or protected reporting route shall not result in retaliation affecting the child or family.\n\n26.2 Essential information shall be available in a form that families can understand, including care, health, consent, emergency action, charges, refunds and complaints. Interpretation shall protect confidentiality and shall not place a sensitive disclosure under the control of the person concerned.\n\n26.3 The organization shall check that consent is informed and identify the controlling version of material terms. Families shall have a protected route to report a concern or correct a misunderstanding. Absence of a complaint shall not alone demonstrate that the route is accessible.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2600},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-027","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"27","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-027","heading":"Safeguarding across languages and jurisdictions","bodyText":"27.1 The organization shall ensure that safeguarding responsibilities, personnel suitability, reporting routes, digital communication, imagery, physical contact, intimate care, pickup, external referral and emergency action remain effective across languages, nationalities, sites and external providers. A competent designated safeguarding lead, governing oversight, role-specific code of conduct and current local reporting or referral interface shall cover every included early childhood component.\n\n27.2 A safeguarding lead, deputy and governing oversight role shall be identified. Procedures shall address concerns about children, personnel, owners, visitors and providers, including digital contact and intimate care. A concern involving the designated lead shall have an alternative route outside that person's control.\n\n27.3 Immediate protection and referral shall follow the competent local interface. Language or jurisdictional uncertainty shall not delay urgent action. Records shall retain the facts, decisions, referrals, responsible persons and handover while restricting access to authorized personnel.\n\n27.4 Personnel shall practise reporting and referral through current scenarios where no actual case exists. A lack of reported cases shall not establish non-applicability or justify omission of preventive controls.\n\n27.5 Conduct rules shall prohibit degrading treatment and establish the permitted response to distress or unsafe behaviour. Intimate care shall preserve dignity and accountability. A concern involving an owner or senior leader shall follow an alternative route with authority outside that person's control.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2700},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-028","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"28","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-028","heading":"Health, consent and emergency information","bodyText":"28.1 The organization shall obtain, translate where necessary, protect, update and use material health, allergy, medication, dietary, religious or cultural care, consent, emergency-contact and authorized-collection information for each child, while refusing any requested practice that would create an unacceptable health, safeguarding or rights risk.\n\n28.2 Current child information shall identify allergies, relevant health needs, emergency contacts, consent and authorized collection. Changes shall be communicated promptly to the personnel responsible for the child. Medication and intimate care shall have assigned responsibility and records appropriate to the risk and applicable conditions.\n\n28.3 The organization shall reconcile attendance and handover during arrival, movement, transport and collection. A missing child, unauthorized collection or medical emergency shall trigger defined action, contact and escalation. Exercises shall test the arrangements without exposing children to avoidable distress or risk.\n\n28.4 Where feeding, rest, hygiene or personal care is provided, the care plan shall reflect the child's age, health needs and relevant family information. Personnel shall communicate essential instructions consistently across the languages used. A dietary or cultural request shall be reviewed against allergy, medication, supervision and protection needs before implementation.\n\n28.5 Medication administration shall have verified authority, identification, storage and administration responsibilities and a traceable record. A refused, missed or incorrect administration, an allergic reaction or an acute care concern shall trigger the defined response and family communication. Specialist directions shall be followed within the competence and lawful role of personnel.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2800},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-029","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"29","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-029","heading":"Child information, imagery and automated processing","bodyText":"29.1 The organization shall control the collection, use, storage, access, correction, disclosure and disposal of child and family information, imagery, recordings and learning records. Cross-border access, hosting and transfer shall be identified where they occur.\n\n29.2 The processing record shall identify purpose, responsible role, recipients, access, service providers and safeguards. A cross-border transfer shall also identify the jurisdictions and transfer basis. Consent shall be specific where required. Withdrawal or another applicable restriction shall be acted on and communicated to parties holding the affected material.\n\n29.3 Retention and deletion shall have a documented care, educational, legal or protection basis. Provider exit shall address return, deletion and continued authorized custody. Sensitive child information shall be used only in a service approved for that purpose and information. Before using automated output for a child-related decision, the organization shall verify suitability for the purpose and children concerned. An accountable person shall review consequential outputs, correct errors and retain reasons for the decision.\n\n29.4 Access and correction requests and suspected loss, unauthorized disclosure or alteration shall have assigned response responsibilities. The record shall identify protective action, required notification, recovery and continued authorized custody. A family shall be able to request human review of an automated child-related decision.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Cross-border transfer and automated-processing controls apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":2900},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-030","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"30","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-030","heading":"External programme and service relationships","bodyText":"30.1 The organization shall retain accountable control where another entity supplies curriculum, training, educators, digital services, specialist support, transport, care or other material provision.\n\n30.2 Before use, the organization shall assess a provider's role, competence, lawful status where applicable, safeguarding, data and continuity arrangements. The agreement shall identify access to evidence, monitoring, incident reporting, correction and exit.\n\n30.3 The organization shall verify actual implementation, including subcontracted activity that affects children. It shall retain authority to stop an unsafe service and arrange continuity. A provider's contract or brand shall not establish that its unrelated services fall within the certified scope.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies where a material external provider, programme owner or partner exists.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3000},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-031","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"31","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-031","heading":"Programme-owner status and claims","bodyText":"31.1 Where the organization claims or relies upon external programme registration, authorization, affiliation, licence or support, it shall maintain accurate evidence of holder, programme, site, status, effective period and limitations.\n\n31.2 The status record shall identify the authorized entity, programme, sites, age range, conditions, permitted claims and validity. Material status shall be checked with the owner or an authoritative source.\n\n31.3 Expiry, restriction or termination shall trigger review of educational continuity, family information and public claims. Candidate, member and authorized status shall be distinguished. Programme-owner status shall not be described as ICEQC approval of the programme's content.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies where any relationship in clause 31.1 is claimed or relied upon.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3100},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-032","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"32","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-032","heading":"Development, readiness and school-identity claims","bodyText":"32.1 The organization shall ensure that claims about international identity, multilingual outcomes, child development, school readiness, primary transition, programme effect and ICEQC certification are defined, supportable and limited to the scope and authority actually held.\n\n32.2 A claim about development or readiness shall identify its basis, the population and context to which it applies and relevant limits. Individual information shall distinguish educator observation from a qualified specialist's assessment.\n\n32.3 The organization shall not promise a child's future admission, examination result or developmental outcome. Public use of 'school', an age descriptor or an external programme name shall be supported by the actual scope and any required permission. Unsupported claims shall be corrected where families could rely on them.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3200},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-033","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"33","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-033","heading":"Child and family experience and improvement","bodyText":"33.1 The organization shall evaluate children's participation, engagement, development, language access, wellbeing, belonging, transitions and family experience and shall implement controlled improvement action. Analysis shall address material differences associated with home language, length of enrolment, relocation, disability or support and programme or site where lawful and developmentally appropriate.\n\n33.2 Review shall use developmentally appropriate observation of children's engagement and care, educator reflection and family feedback. It shall account for children or families whose language or communication needs could exclude them from ordinary feedback methods.\n\n33.3 An improvement action shall identify the observed issue, responsible person, resources and review date. Follow-up shall examine the effect on children's experience and protection. Small groups shall not be reported in a way that exposes a child's identity or encourages unsupported comparisons.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3300},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-034","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"34","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-034","heading":"Through-school interface","bodyText":"34.1 A through-school shall define governance, safeguarding, curriculum, language, records, facilities, transition and family-information interfaces between its early childhood and K–12 components without replacing age-specific responsibility.\n\n34.2 The interface record shall assign responsibility for shared spaces, personnel, transport, safeguarding, data and transition. Arrangements shall protect younger children during movement, mixed-age activity and use of shared facilities.\n\n34.3 Early childhood and primary leaders shall agree what information is needed for transition and how it will be used. Through-school continuity shall not be represented as guaranteed primary admission or evidence that an unassessed stage is certified.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies under Profile IS-E2.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3400},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-035","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"35","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-035","heading":"Programme suspension, closure and transition protection","bodyText":"35.1 The organization shall maintain funded and controlled arrangements to protect current children and families where a site, programme, external status or material provider is suspended, discontinued, lost or closed, or where border restriction, civil or health emergency, sudden personnel loss, currency disruption or technology failure materially interrupts care or learning.\n\n35.2 The governing authority shall approve closure and suspension arrangements covering child protection, family notice, alternative provision, secure record custody, personnel responsibilities and applicable refunds. Triggers and decision authority shall be stated.\n\n35.3 Before ending a programme or provider relationship, the organization shall consider current children, authorized collection, health information and transition needs. Families shall receive accurate options and limitations. An identified custodian shall maintain access to records needed after closure.\n\n35.4 Readiness review shall test availability of decision-makers, essential child information, authorized family contacts and the resources needed for the selected response. A lack of previous closures or interruptions shall not remove the readiness requirement.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3500},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-036","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"36","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-036","heading":"Operational resources and financial continuity","bodyText":"36.1 The organization shall maintain current staffing, facility, resource and funding arrangements sufficient for the complete early childhood scope and shall identify material dependence on enrolment, tuition, currency, owner funding, a single provider or planned expansion.\n\n36.2 Resource review shall address the personnel, supervision, care, learning materials, facilities and services needed for current enrolment and declared session hours. Material funding, staffing and provider dependencies shall have early-action triggers.\n\n36.3 Where a shortfall threatens safe care or continuity, the governing authority shall approve and implement a resourced response, including communication and transition where necessary. Staffing and financial criteria shall follow applicable conditions and the documented risks of the provision; this standard prescribes no universal ratio or financial threshold.\n\n36.4 The governing authority shall compare current income, available funds, committed expenditure and foreseeable shortfalls with safe staffing and continuity commitments. Review shall be repeated after a material enrolment, funding, provider or staffing change. The decision record shall retain the response selected and verification that safe care can continue.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":"Applies to every scope component using this Module.","evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3600},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-037","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"37","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-037","heading":"Evidence planning","bodyText":"37.1 The assessment plan shall apply Annex B and shall include independently selected samples across ages, sessions, personnel, languages, children, families, transitions, sites, public claims and external relationships.\n\n37.2 Evidence involving a child shall be minimized, age-appropriate, privacy-protective and obtained without unnecessary identity, imagery, health or family disclosure.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3700},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-038","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"38","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-038","heading":"Assessment conclusions","bodyText":"38.1 A final conclusion of C, NC or confirmed NA shall be recorded only after the necessary facts are established. An unresolved evidence limitation shall remain open and shall prevent a positive decision for the affected scope.\n\n38.2 A positive decision is prohibited while any applicable requirement is NC, any nonconformity remains open or the evidence limitation prevents a reliable early childhood scope conclusion.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3800},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-039","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"39","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-039","heading":"Certificate scope","bodyText":"39.1 The certificate and public register may identify this Module only for the exact organization or component, age groups, sites, languages and delivery modes completely assessed under its effective version.\n\n39.2 The Route IS-E descriptor controlled by ICEQC-ORG-2200 shall distinguish complete-organization, through-school-component and bounded-programme scope.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":3900},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-040","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"40","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-040","heading":"Surveillance","bodyText":"40.1 Surveillance shall address clauses 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33 and 36 where applicable, earlier findings, material incidents and representative rotating coverage of the remaining requirements.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":4000},{"id":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-041","parentId":null,"clauseNumber":"41","stableKey":"org-2230-clause-041","heading":"Change control","bodyText":"41.1 A material change in identity, operator, ownership, financial viability, profile, age group, pedagogical framework, operating language, site, hours, personnel model, external status, provider, through-school interface, care service or public claim shall trigger module-applicability and scope review.","normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","applicabilityRule":null,"evidenceExpectation":null,"sortOrder":4100}],"readerSchemaVersion":"iceqc.international-school-publication.v3","readerNodes":[{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-1","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-001","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"1","heading":"Scope","bodyText":"1.1 This document specifies additional education-quality requirements for international early childhood provision selected under Route IS-E of ICEQC-ORG-2200.\n\n1.2 The certification object is the accountable education organization within its confirmed scope. This document does not authorize a curriculum or confer governmental permission, accreditation, qualification recognition or an examination result. It establishes no score, ranking, grade, star or award level.","anchor":"section-1","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":100},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-2","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-002","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"2","heading":"Normative references","bodyText":"The following documents are normative references. Only the identified editions apply.\n\n- ICEQC-FOUNDATION-2026, Edition 2026 — applicable education-organization Foundation requirements.\n\n- ICEQC-QF-1000, Edition 2026 — Education Quality Core Requirements.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2000, Edition 2026 — Education Organization Quality Certification Scheme.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2010, Edition 2026 — Sector Applicability Module System Rules.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2120, Edition 2026 — Early Childhood Education Quality Applicability Module.\n\n- ICEQC-ORG-2200, Edition 2026.2 — International Schools and Programmes Education Quality Certification Standards.\n\nConditional overlays and ICEQC procedures apply as selected under ICEQC-ORG-2200, Annex G. A later edition requires a recorded incorporation or transition decision. The Edition 2026.2 documents apply together according to the selection conditions in ICEQC-ORG-2200.","anchor":"section-2","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":200},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-3","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-003","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"3","heading":"Terms and definitions","bodyText":"3.1 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in ICEQC-QF-1000, ICEQC-ORG-2200 and the following terms apply.\n\n3.2 **conformity (C)**: fulfilment of the complete applicable requirement, demonstrated by verified evidence.\n\n3.3 **nonconformity (NC)**: failure to fulfil an applicable requirement, established by a verified fact.\n\n3.4 **confirmed non-applicability (NA)**: verified absence of the expressly stated application condition, approved and recorded by ICEQC.\n\n3.5 **evidence limitation**: a gap or contradiction that prevents a reliable conclusion about fulfilment or applicability. An evidence limitation is unresolved evidence, rather than a conformity conclusion.","anchor":"section-3","depth":0,"normativeKind":"DEFINITION","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":300},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-4","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-004","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"4","heading":"Certification object","bodyText":"4.1 The certification object remains the accountable education organization and the exact early childhood scope confirmed under ICEQC-ORG-2000 and ICEQC-ORG-2200.\n\n4.2 The certificate scope shall state whether the affected scope is a complete early childhood organization, a component of a through-school or a bounded programme within a wider early childhood organization.","anchor":"section-4","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":400},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-5","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-005","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"5","heading":"Selection rule","bodyText":"5.1 This Module is required for each early childhood component confirmed under Route IS-E.\n\n5.2 ICEQC-ORG-2120 remains the primary sector module for every affected component.\n\n5.3 A childcare-only, occasional activity, short camp, tutoring service, course product or resource supplier shall not use this Module unless organized early childhood education and Route IS-E conditions are independently fulfilled.","anchor":"section-5","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":500},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-6","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-006","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"6","heading":"Inherited requirements","bodyText":"6.1 The applicable education-organization Foundation requirements, ICEQC-ORG-2000, ICEQC-ORG-2010, ICEQC-ORG-2120, ICEQC-ORG-2200 and every applicable ICEQC-QF-1000 requirement continue to apply in the controlling editions identified in clause 2 and ICEQC-ORG-2200, Annex G.\n\n6.2 This Module adds international early childhood requirements and does not replace or reduce child-development, care, health, supervision, safeguarding or family obligations.\n\n6.3 Annex E identifies the principal source requirements specialized by this Module. A mapped clause shall be assessed as the international early childhood application of the cited source requirement. The source conclusion and the additional Module conclusion shall both be established, while the same evidence may be used where it remains sufficient and traceable.","anchor":"section-6","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":600},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-7","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-007","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"7","heading":"Education-content boundary","bodyText":"7.1 ICEQC does not prescribe, authorize, approve or rank a substantive early childhood curriculum, pedagogy, language, culture, belief, national model or commercial programme.\n\n7.2 Assessment addresses how the organization controls and implements its declared international early childhood education model.","anchor":"section-7","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":700},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-8","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-008","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"8","heading":"External-status boundary","bodyText":"8.1 This Module does not grant or replace permission to operate, government approval, early childhood licensing, programme-owner registration, institutional accreditation, school recognition or authority to use a third-party name or mark.","anchor":"section-8","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":800},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-9","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-009","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"9","heading":"No comparative status","bodyText":"9.1 This Module creates no score, rank, grade, star, tier, award or comparative position.","anchor":"section-9","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":900},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-10","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-010","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"10","heading":"Scope profiles","bodyText":"10.1 The composition record shall identify one of the following scope profiles:\n\n(a) Profile IS-E1 — Complete International Early Childhood Organization;\n\n(b) Profile IS-E2 — International Early Childhood Component of a Through-School; or\n\n(c) Profile IS-E3 — Bounded International Early Childhood Programme.\n\n10.2 A profile describes scope and is not a separate certification or quality level.","anchor":"section-10","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":1000},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-11","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-011","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"11","heading":"Evidence operation","bodyText":"11.1 A single controlled record may support more than one requirement where it is current, sufficient and traceable.\n\n11.2 Duplicate documents are not required solely to mirror clause numbers.","anchor":"section-11","depth":0,"normativeKind":"SCOPE","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":1100},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-12","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-012","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"12","heading":"Conformity form","bodyText":"12.1 Clauses 13 to 36 are additional assessment units. Their application and non-applicability conditions are specified in Annex A. A final conclusion shall address the complete applicable clause. An unresolved evidence limitation shall not be converted automatically into C, NC or NA.\n\n12.2 A positive conclusion for a clause in this Module does not correct or override NC or an unresolved evidence limitation under a source requirement identified in Annex E.","anchor":"section-12","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":1200},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-13","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-013","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"13","heading":"International early childhood scope","bodyText":"13.1 The organization shall define the age groups, developmental stages, session types, care-education boundaries, sites, hours, languages, international education model, programme profile and material exclusions within scope.\n\n13.2 The scope record shall identify the operator, sites, child age groups, sessions, hours, languages, care services and exclusions. Enrolment, room allocation, staffing and public information shall reconcile to that record.\n\n13.3 Where the provision is part of a through-school, the early childhood boundary and interfaces with older learners shall be explicit. Inclusion in a school brand shall not establish that an early childhood site or session has been assessed.","anchor":"section-13","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1300},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-14","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-014","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"14","heading":"International education purpose","bodyText":"14.1 The organization shall define developmentally appropriate international, intercultural or multilingual purposes and shall connect them to children's experiences, interactions, environment, family partnership and programme review.\n\n14.2 The purpose shall describe educational experiences appropriate to the children's ages, development, family context and prior language experience. It shall identify the learning and care practices through which the international purpose is delivered.\n\n14.3 Review shall use observations of children's engagement, interaction and participation together with family information. Adult expectations about future academic competition shall not replace evaluation of current developmental needs.","anchor":"section-14","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1400},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-15","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-015","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"15","heading":"Pedagogical framework and international model","bodyText":"15.1 The organization shall maintain a controlled pedagogical framework showing how its declared international education model supports play, communication, relationships, inquiry, development, local context and continuity without inappropriate academic acceleration.\n\n15.2 The pedagogical framework shall provide for play, interaction, movement, rest, exploration and responsive care. Planning shall allow educators to adapt to observed needs and interests while retaining the intended developmental and learning purposes.\n\n15.3 Leaders shall review practice across rooms, sessions and age groups using observation, child records and educator discussion. Formal worksheets, tests or imported materials alone shall not establish implementation of the framework or justify a school-readiness claim.","anchor":"section-15","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1500},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-16","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-016","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"16","heading":"Host-jurisdiction and local-context integration","bodyText":"16.1 The organization shall identify and integrate applicable host-jurisdiction early childhood, language, culture, health, care, staffing and safeguarding requirements within its declared international model.\n\n16.2 The requirement register shall identify applicable permissions, age and session limits, staffing and care conditions, facilities and protection interfaces. Responsibility for monitoring validity and changes shall be assigned.\n\n16.3 The organization shall reconcile its international model with local educational and care requirements and family context. A conflict shall be escalated and resolved through lawful controls; ICEQC certification shall not be represented as permission to disregard a local requirement.","anchor":"section-16","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1600},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-17","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-017","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"17","heading":"Language development and multilingual provision","bodyText":"17.1 The organization shall define the role of each language in interaction, play, learning, care, safeguarding and family communication and shall support children's comprehension, expression and participation according to developmental need. Language observation or screening shall distinguish normal additional-language development from a possible developmental need, use competent interpretation where required and avoid delayed support or unsupported diagnosis.\n\n17.2 The language model shall identify how children encounter and use each language through interaction, play and care, and how educators respond to children with differing experience. Staff allocation shall provide the language competence needed for safe and responsive communication.\n\n17.3 Observation shall distinguish familiarity with a language from a developmental difficulty. Where additional support is needed, the record shall identify the planned response, responsible person and review with the family. English publication of this standard does not prescribe English-only provision.","anchor":"section-17","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1700},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-18","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-018","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"18","heading":"Home language and identity continuity","bodyText":"18.1 The organization shall obtain and use relevant information about each child's home language, name, family, culture and communication practices and shall protect identity and belonging without stereotyping or compelled cultural assimilation.\n\n18.2 At entry, the organization shall obtain relevant information about the child's home language, preferred communication, familiar care practices and family priorities. The key person shall use that information in settling and daily interaction.\n\n18.3 Resources and routines shall support respectful continuity without stereotyping the child or requiring a family to abandon its home language. A communication difficulty affecting care or protection shall have an agreed response and review.","anchor":"section-18","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1800},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-19","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-019","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"19","heading":"Intercultural learning through everyday experience","bodyText":"19.1 The organization shall provide accurate, respectful and age-appropriate opportunities for children to encounter diverse people, languages, places, experiences and perspectives through ordinary play and learning.\n\n19.2 Educators shall select everyday experiences, stories, materials and interactions that enable children to encounter differences accurately and respectfully. Activities shall avoid treating a nationality, culture or belief as a fixed characteristic of every member.\n\n19.3 Review shall consider children's actual participation and responses. A festival display or international label alone shall not demonstrate intercultural learning. The organization shall address an identified exclusion or misleading representation in the materials or practice concerned.","anchor":"section-19","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":1900},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-20","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-020","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"20","heading":"Child profile and family mobility","bodyText":"20.1 The organization shall identify and respond to needs arising from relocation, language transition, family separation, repeated school change, unfamiliar routines or anticipated international transfer.\n\n20.2 The child profile shall include information necessary for care, communication, health, authorized contacts and transition, with access limited to personnel who need it. Families shall be able to correct material information.\n\n20.3 For a relocating child, the key person shall identify continuity needs and agree a settling response with the family. The organization shall review changes in participation, communication and distress and seek qualified support where a concern exceeds its competence.","anchor":"section-20","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2000},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-21","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-021","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"21","heading":"Admission, settling and transition information","bodyText":"21.1 Before entry and during transition, the organization shall provide and obtain sufficient information about language, routines, learning and care approach, health, safeguarding, attendance, fees, family expectations, prior experience and next-stage arrangements.\n\n21.2 Before entry, families shall receive information about sessions, care, languages, charges, support limits and authorized collection. The organization shall agree a key person, settling arrangements and a means of communicating the child's needs.\n\n21.3 Initial placement and any variation to settling shall retain the reason and review point. An incomplete prior record shall lead to proportionate information gathering and support rather than an unsupported developmental conclusion. The organization shall verify that the child is received and handed over to an authorized person.","anchor":"section-21","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2100},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-22","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-022","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"22","heading":"Transition to primary school or another system","bodyText":"22.1 The organization shall prepare and communicate developmentally appropriate transition information and shall transfer authorized records securely without guaranteeing admission, readiness, grade placement, credit or recognition by another school or system.\n\n22.2 Transition planning shall identify the receiving setting where known, relevant learning and care information, family consent and arrangements for secure record transfer. The child shall be supported through age-appropriate preparation rather than a promise of admission or equivalence.\n\n22.3 The outgoing record shall distinguish observation, professional assessment and information reported by a family or third party. The organization shall confirm the authorized recipient and record any information that could not be obtained or transferred.\n\n22.4 The organization shall maintain transition responsibilities and record-access arrangements even where no child has transferred during the evidence period. A transfer shall not be delayed solely by disagreement between providers or an unresolved commercial account, subject to applicable law.","anchor":"section-22","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2200},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-23","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-023","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"23","heading":"Personnel language and intercultural competence","bodyText":"23.1 The organization shall verify and develop personnel competence appropriate to assigned child ages, developmental needs, operating languages, international model, family contexts, safeguarding responsibilities and role boundaries.\n\n23.2 Role requirements shall identify the language and interaction competence needed for the assigned children, care routines, family communication and emergency response. Before independent assignment, the organization shall verify that personnel can perform those functions.\n\n23.3 Induction and review shall use observed interaction, care practice and family communication. A gap shall have supervision, development and a review date. Personnel shall know when interpretation or specialist support is required and shall not rely on a young child to interpret a sensitive matter.\n\n23.4 Staffing shall maintain supervision during arrival, meals, rest, personal care, outdoor activity, breaks and relief cover. A change of key person shall include handover of the child's care, communication and protection needs. Agency or relief staff shall receive the information required before taking responsibility.","anchor":"section-23","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2300},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-24","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-024","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"24","heading":"International recruitment and personnel suitability","bodyText":"24.1 Where personnel are recruited across jurisdictions or materially relocated, the organization shall control identity, complete employment history, references, suitability, background-check dependencies and limitations, work-status information, contracts, induction and safeguarding gaps. A missing or unavailable external check shall trigger documented supplementary verification and supervision and shall not be treated as a clear check.\n\n24.2 Recruitment shall reconcile identity, qualifications, complete employment history, references and relevant suitability checks across jurisdictions. An unavailable external check shall be recorded with its limitation and supplementary checks; it shall not be marked satisfactory merely because no record was returned.\n\n24.3 Before unsupervised access, the responsible leader shall approve the suitability decision and any restrictions. Induction shall cover conduct, safeguarding, intimate care, reporting and local referral. Agency, relief and contracted personnel shall be included in the controls appropriate to their access.","anchor":"section-24","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2400},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-25","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-025","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"25","heading":"Learning environment and cultural representation","bodyText":"25.1 The organization shall select and monitor indoor, outdoor and digital materials, imagery, stories, play resources and displays for developmental suitability, accessibility, accuracy, cultural respect and representation of the children and wider world.\n\n25.2 The organization shall select materials and arrange indoor and outdoor spaces for the children's ages, access needs and declared language model. Review shall include safe use, supervision, accessibility and accurate representation of people and communities.\n\n25.3 An unsuitable or unsafe item shall be removed or controlled and the reason recorded where necessary for follow-up. A photograph, display or resource depicting children shall have an appropriate basis for use. A prepared display shall not replace evidence of children's ordinary access to learning and care.\n\n25.4 Digital and physical materials shall be reviewed when a child's developmental abilities or access needs change. For an unfamiliar resource, the responsible educator shall check suitability before use and monitor its effect in ordinary interaction.","anchor":"section-25","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2500},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-26","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-026","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"26","heading":"Family communication and language access","bodyText":"26.1 The organization shall provide understandable and reliable communication for routine learning, care, consent, health, safeguarding, fees and refunds, changes, complaints, reviews, protected reporting and emergencies across the material languages of families in scope. Essential translations shall be controlled for accuracy, version and precedence, and good-faith use of a complaint or protected reporting route shall not result in retaliation affecting the child or family.\n\n26.2 Essential information shall be available in a form that families can understand, including care, health, consent, emergency action, charges, refunds and complaints. Interpretation shall protect confidentiality and shall not place a sensitive disclosure under the control of the person concerned.\n\n26.3 The organization shall check that consent is informed and identify the controlling version of material terms. Families shall have a protected route to report a concern or correct a misunderstanding. Absence of a complaint shall not alone demonstrate that the route is accessible.","anchor":"section-26","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2600},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-27","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-027","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"27","heading":"Safeguarding across languages and jurisdictions","bodyText":"27.1 The organization shall ensure that safeguarding responsibilities, personnel suitability, reporting routes, digital communication, imagery, physical contact, intimate care, pickup, external referral and emergency action remain effective across languages, nationalities, sites and external providers. A competent designated safeguarding lead, governing oversight, role-specific code of conduct and current local reporting or referral interface shall cover every included early childhood component.\n\n27.2 A safeguarding lead, deputy and governing oversight role shall be identified. Procedures shall address concerns about children, personnel, owners, visitors and providers, including digital contact and intimate care. A concern involving the designated lead shall have an alternative route outside that person's control.\n\n27.3 Immediate protection and referral shall follow the competent local interface. Language or jurisdictional uncertainty shall not delay urgent action. Records shall retain the facts, decisions, referrals, responsible persons and handover while restricting access to authorized personnel.\n\n27.4 Personnel shall practise reporting and referral through current scenarios where no actual case exists. A lack of reported cases shall not establish non-applicability or justify omission of preventive controls.\n\n27.5 Conduct rules shall prohibit degrading treatment and establish the permitted response to distress or unsafe behaviour. Intimate care shall preserve dignity and accountability. A concern involving an owner or senior leader shall follow an alternative route with authority outside that person's control.","anchor":"section-27","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2700},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-28","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-028","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"28","heading":"Health, consent and emergency information","bodyText":"28.1 The organization shall obtain, translate where necessary, protect, update and use material health, allergy, medication, dietary, religious or cultural care, consent, emergency-contact and authorized-collection information for each child, while refusing any requested practice that would create an unacceptable health, safeguarding or rights risk.\n\n28.2 Current child information shall identify allergies, relevant health needs, emergency contacts, consent and authorized collection. Changes shall be communicated promptly to the personnel responsible for the child. Medication and intimate care shall have assigned responsibility and records appropriate to the risk and applicable conditions.\n\n28.3 The organization shall reconcile attendance and handover during arrival, movement, transport and collection. A missing child, unauthorized collection or medical emergency shall trigger defined action, contact and escalation. Exercises shall test the arrangements without exposing children to avoidable distress or risk.\n\n28.4 Where feeding, rest, hygiene or personal care is provided, the care plan shall reflect the child's age, health needs and relevant family information. Personnel shall communicate essential instructions consistently across the languages used. A dietary or cultural request shall be reviewed against allergy, medication, supervision and protection needs before implementation.\n\n28.5 Medication administration shall have verified authority, identification, storage and administration responsibilities and a traceable record. A refused, missed or incorrect administration, an allergic reaction or an acute care concern shall trigger the defined response and family communication. Specialist directions shall be followed within the competence and lawful role of personnel.","anchor":"section-28","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2800},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-29","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-029","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"29","heading":"Child information, imagery and automated processing","bodyText":"29.1 The organization shall control the collection, use, storage, access, correction, disclosure and disposal of child and family information, imagery, recordings and learning records. Cross-border access, hosting and transfer shall be identified where they occur.\n\n29.2 The processing record shall identify purpose, responsible role, recipients, access, service providers and safeguards. A cross-border transfer shall also identify the jurisdictions and transfer basis. Consent shall be specific where required. Withdrawal or another applicable restriction shall be acted on and communicated to parties holding the affected material.\n\n29.3 Retention and deletion shall have a documented care, educational, legal or protection basis. Provider exit shall address return, deletion and continued authorized custody. Sensitive child information shall be used only in a service approved for that purpose and information. Before using automated output for a child-related decision, the organization shall verify suitability for the purpose and children concerned. An accountable person shall review consequential outputs, correct errors and retain reasons for the decision.\n\n29.4 Access and correction requests and suspected loss, unauthorized disclosure or alteration shall have assigned response responsibilities. The record shall identify protective action, required notification, recovery and continued authorized custody. A family shall be able to request human review of an automated child-related decision.","anchor":"section-29","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":2900},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-30","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-030","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"30","heading":"External programme and service relationships","bodyText":"30.1 The organization shall retain accountable control where another entity supplies curriculum, training, educators, digital services, specialist support, transport, care or other material provision.\n\n30.2 Before use, the organization shall assess a provider's role, competence, lawful status where applicable, safeguarding, data and continuity arrangements. The agreement shall identify access to evidence, monitoring, incident reporting, correction and exit.\n\n30.3 The organization shall verify actual implementation, including subcontracted activity that affects children. It shall retain authority to stop an unsafe service and arrange continuity. A provider's contract or brand shall not establish that its unrelated services fall within the certified scope.","anchor":"section-30","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3000},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-31","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-031","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"31","heading":"Programme-owner status and claims","bodyText":"31.1 Where the organization claims or relies upon external programme registration, authorization, affiliation, licence or support, it shall maintain accurate evidence of holder, programme, site, status, effective period and limitations.\n\n31.2 The status record shall identify the authorized entity, programme, sites, age range, conditions, permitted claims and validity. Material status shall be checked with the owner or an authoritative source.\n\n31.3 Expiry, restriction or termination shall trigger review of educational continuity, family information and public claims. Candidate, member and authorized status shall be distinguished. Programme-owner status shall not be described as ICEQC approval of the programme's content.","anchor":"section-31","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3100},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-32","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-032","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"32","heading":"Development, readiness and school-identity claims","bodyText":"32.1 The organization shall ensure that claims about international identity, multilingual outcomes, child development, school readiness, primary transition, programme effect and ICEQC certification are defined, supportable and limited to the scope and authority actually held.\n\n32.2 A claim about development or readiness shall identify its basis, the population and context to which it applies and relevant limits. Individual information shall distinguish educator observation from a qualified specialist's assessment.\n\n32.3 The organization shall not promise a child's future admission, examination result or developmental outcome. Public use of 'school', an age descriptor or an external programme name shall be supported by the actual scope and any required permission. Unsupported claims shall be corrected where families could rely on them.","anchor":"section-32","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3200},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-33","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-033","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"33","heading":"Child and family experience and improvement","bodyText":"33.1 The organization shall evaluate children's participation, engagement, development, language access, wellbeing, belonging, transitions and family experience and shall implement controlled improvement action. Analysis shall address material differences associated with home language, length of enrolment, relocation, disability or support and programme or site where lawful and developmentally appropriate.\n\n33.2 Review shall use developmentally appropriate observation of children's engagement and care, educator reflection and family feedback. It shall account for children or families whose language or communication needs could exclude them from ordinary feedback methods.\n\n33.3 An improvement action shall identify the observed issue, responsible person, resources and review date. Follow-up shall examine the effect on children's experience and protection. Small groups shall not be reported in a way that exposes a child's identity or encourages unsupported comparisons.","anchor":"section-33","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3300},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-34","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-034","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"34","heading":"Through-school interface","bodyText":"34.1 A through-school shall define governance, safeguarding, curriculum, language, records, facilities, transition and family-information interfaces between its early childhood and K–12 components without replacing age-specific responsibility.\n\n34.2 The interface record shall assign responsibility for shared spaces, personnel, transport, safeguarding, data and transition. Arrangements shall protect younger children during movement, mixed-age activity and use of shared facilities.\n\n34.3 Early childhood and primary leaders shall agree what information is needed for transition and how it will be used. Through-school continuity shall not be represented as guaranteed primary admission or evidence that an unassessed stage is certified.","anchor":"section-34","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3400},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-35","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-035","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"35","heading":"Programme suspension, closure and transition protection","bodyText":"35.1 The organization shall maintain funded and controlled arrangements to protect current children and families where a site, programme, external status or material provider is suspended, discontinued, lost or closed, or where border restriction, civil or health emergency, sudden personnel loss, currency disruption or technology failure materially interrupts care or learning.\n\n35.2 The governing authority shall approve closure and suspension arrangements covering child protection, family notice, alternative provision, secure record custody, personnel responsibilities and applicable refunds. Triggers and decision authority shall be stated.\n\n35.3 Before ending a programme or provider relationship, the organization shall consider current children, authorized collection, health information and transition needs. Families shall receive accurate options and limitations. An identified custodian shall maintain access to records needed after closure.\n\n35.4 Readiness review shall test availability of decision-makers, essential child information, authorized family contacts and the resources needed for the selected response. A lack of previous closures or interruptions shall not remove the readiness requirement.","anchor":"section-35","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3500},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-36","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-036","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"36","heading":"Operational resources and financial continuity","bodyText":"36.1 The organization shall maintain current staffing, facility, resource and funding arrangements sufficient for the complete early childhood scope and shall identify material dependence on enrolment, tuition, currency, owner funding, a single provider or planned expansion.\n\n36.2 Resource review shall address the personnel, supervision, care, learning materials, facilities and services needed for current enrolment and declared session hours. Material funding, staffing and provider dependencies shall have early-action triggers.\n\n36.3 Where a shortfall threatens safe care or continuity, the governing authority shall approve and implement a resourced response, including communication and transition where necessary. Staffing and financial criteria shall follow applicable conditions and the documented risks of the provision; this standard prescribes no universal ratio or financial threshold.\n\n36.4 The governing authority shall compare current income, available funds, committed expenditure and foreseeable shortfalls with safe staffing and continuity commitments. Review shall be repeated after a material enrolment, funding, provider or staffing change. The decision record shall retain the response selected and verification that safe care can continue.","anchor":"section-36","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":true,"sortOrder":3600},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-37","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-037","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"37","heading":"Evidence planning","bodyText":"37.1 The assessment plan shall apply Annex B and shall include independently selected samples across ages, sessions, personnel, languages, children, families, transitions, sites, public claims and external relationships.\n\n37.2 Evidence involving a child shall be minimized, age-appropriate, privacy-protective and obtained without unnecessary identity, imagery, health or family disclosure.","anchor":"section-37","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":3700},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-38","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-038","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"38","heading":"Assessment conclusions","bodyText":"38.1 A final conclusion of C, NC or confirmed NA shall be recorded only after the necessary facts are established. An unresolved evidence limitation shall remain open and shall prevent a positive decision for the affected scope.\n\n38.2 A positive decision is prohibited while any applicable requirement is NC, any nonconformity remains open or the evidence limitation prevents a reliable early childhood scope conclusion.","anchor":"section-38","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":3800},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-39","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-039","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"39","heading":"Certificate scope","bodyText":"39.1 The certificate and public register may identify this Module only for the exact organization or component, age groups, sites, languages and delivery modes completely assessed under its effective version.\n\n39.2 The Route IS-E descriptor controlled by ICEQC-ORG-2200 shall distinguish complete-organization, through-school-component and bounded-programme scope.","anchor":"section-39","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":3900},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-40","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-040","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"40","heading":"Surveillance","bodyText":"40.1 Surveillance shall address clauses 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33 and 36 where applicable, earlier findings, material incidents and representative rotating coverage of the remaining requirements.","anchor":"section-40","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4000},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-41","parentId":null,"clauseId":"cl-org-2230-2026-2-041","nodeType":"CLAUSE","label":"41","heading":"Change control","bodyText":"41.1 A material change in identity, operator, ownership, financial viability, profile, age group, pedagogical framework, operating language, site, hours, personnel model, external status, provider, through-school interface, care service or public claim shall trigger module-applicability and scope review.","anchor":"section-41","depth":0,"normativeKind":"REQUIREMENT","obligationLevel":"SHALL","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4100},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-annex-a","parentId":null,"clauseId":null,"nodeType":"SCHEDULE","label":"Annex A","heading":"Applicability and conformity criteria (normative)","bodyText":"Each conformity conclusion shall address every applicable provision of the cited clause. The criteria in this annex summarize the required result; they do not replace or narrow the technical requirement. Where only one activity is absent, the remaining provisions continue to apply. Absence of a reported incident does not remove a prevention or readiness requirement.\n\n| Unit | Clause | Application | Non-applicability | Conformity criterion |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| IS-E-001 | 13 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where the actual operation, accountable organization and international early childhood scope are complete, distinguishable and accurately represented. |\n| IS-E-002 | 14 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where purposes are understandable, age-appropriate and evident in representative practice rather than a name, event or marketing statement alone. |\n| IS-E-003 | 15 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where planning, observation, interaction, environment and review demonstrate implementation consistent with children's ages, needs and rights. |\n| IS-E-004 | 16 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where responsibilities, recognized external evidence, programme arrangements and family information are current and controlled without presenting ICEQC as the regulator. |\n| IS-E-005 | 17 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete unit. An absent activity does not remove the remaining provisions or the required readiness arrangements. | Conformity requires responsive communication and language support for every child. Additional-language controls apply to the children and language model concerned without substituting language familiarity for developmental assessment. |\n| IS-E-006 | 18 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where enrolment information, daily interaction, resources, family participation and individual support show respectful and usable continuity. |\n| IS-E-007 | 19 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where planning, resources, adult interaction and observations show sustained practice and avoid tokenism, stereotyping or exoticizing children and families. |\n| IS-E-008 | 20 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete unit. An absent activity does not remove the remaining provisions or the required readiness arrangements. | Conformity requires current information needed for safe care and participation, individualized settling and support, and a verified response to mobility or transition needs where present. |\n| IS-E-009 | 21 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where sampled entry and transition records show understandable communication, consent, planned settling and continuity of essential information. |\n| IS-E-010 | 22 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete unit. An absent activity does not remove the remaining provisions or the required readiness arrangements. | Conformity requires current transition-readiness arrangements. Where a child transfers, family communication, child preparation, authorized secure records and receiving-setting coordination shall be traceable. |\n| IS-E-011 | 23 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where competence verification, language capability, induction, observation, supervision, professional learning and staffing continuity support actual assignments. |\n| IS-E-012 | 24 | Applies where cross-jurisdiction recruitment or relocation occurs. | NA may be confirmed only where neither occurs. | Conformity exists only where current records and recognized external evidence establish appropriate checks, accurate information, lawful role deployment and continued child protection. |\n| IS-E-013 | 25 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where representative environments and resource records show purposeful use, review and correction of harmful, inaccurate or exclusionary material. |\n| IS-E-014 | 26 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete unit. An absent activity does not remove the remaining provisions or the required readiness arrangements. | Conformity requires understandable, accurate and timely essential communication, informed consent, confidential interpretation where needed and a protected route for concern or correction. |\n| IS-E-015 | 27 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where children, families and personnel can access the system, responsible persons act consistently and no international or organizational boundary creates a protection gap. |\n| IS-E-016 | 28 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where sampled records are complete for their purpose, accessible to authorized personnel, understood when needed and connected to current response arrangements. |\n| IS-E-017 | 29 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Cross-border transfer and automated-processing controls apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete information-governance unit. Absence of a particular transfer or automated activity does not remove the remaining controls. | Conformity exists only where information purposes, access, retention, disclosure and any applicable transfer or automated-processing controls are current, traceable and implemented, with accountable human review of material decisions. |\n| IS-E-018 | 30 | Applies where a material external provider, programme owner or partner exists. | NA may be confirmed only where none exists. | Conformity exists only where status, authority, selection, agreement, responsibility, monitoring, family information, incident response, change and exit controls are verified. |\n| IS-E-019 | 31 | Applies where any relationship in clause 31.1 is claimed or relied upon. | NA may be confirmed only where no such relationship or claim exists. | Conformity exists only where evidence is authentic and current, public wording matches the exact external status and ICEQC is not represented as the programme owner or authorizer. |\n| IS-E-020 | 32 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where websites, prospectuses, contracts, displays, social media, child reports and third-party profiles are consistent with evidence and do not guarantee development or external recognition. |\n| IS-E-021 | 33 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where observation, family and child voice, incidents, complaints, material group differences, actions and follow-up are traceable and interpreted developmentally. |\n| IS-E-022 | 34 | Applies under Profile IS-E2. | NA may be confirmed for Profiles IS-E1 and IS-E3 where no through-school interface exists. | Conformity exists only where shared controls and distinct early childhood responsibilities are both identified, implemented and included in assessment. |\n| IS-E-023 | 35 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. Activity-specific provisions apply where the corresponding activity occurs. | NA is not available for the complete unit. An absent activity does not remove the remaining provisions or the required readiness arrangements. | Conformity requires current, resourced readiness arrangements for child protection, family communication, continuity or alternative care, secure records and applicable refunds. When a trigger occurs, implementation and family handover shall be verified. |\n| IS-E-024 | 36 | Applies to every scope component using this Module. | NA is not available. | Conformity exists only where responsible governance reviews realistic assumptions and actual performance and can demonstrate that resource or financial decisions do not create an unmanaged risk to supervision, care, safeguarding, health, family refunds, records, alternative placement or continuity. This determination is not a solvency rating or financial-statement audit. |","anchor":"annex-a","depth":0,"normativeKind":"ANNEX","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4200},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-annex-b","parentId":null,"clauseId":null,"nodeType":"SCHEDULE","label":"Annex B","heading":"Minimum evidence framework (normative)","bodyText":"| Requirement area | Minimum evidence categories | Minimum verification |\n|---|---|---|\n| Scope and profile | identity, age groups, sessions, sites, hours, languages, services and exclusions | reconcile enrolment, staffing, licence information and public descriptions |\n| Purpose and pedagogy | approved purpose, framework, plans, observations and review | sample across age groups, rooms, sessions and educators |\n| Host-jurisdiction interface | requirement register, recognized evidence, responsibility and change records | verify source, scope, validity and action without re-performing regulation |\n| Multilingual development | child-language information, language model, staffing, observations and support | trace selected children and observe or demonstrate actual language practice |\n| Identity and intercultural experience | family information, plans, resources, environment and observations | independent sample for representation, accuracy and tokenism risk |\n| Mobility and settling | admission, key-person, transition, support and review records | sample newly enrolled, relocating and ordinary cases where available |\n| Primary or system transition | preparation, consent, reports, transfer and communication | verify sampled records and limitation of readiness or admission claims |\n| Personnel | identity, qualification, complete employment history, references, external-check limitations, experience, language, suitability, induction and supervision | sample employees, relief staff and contractors across roles and sites; test supplementary controls where an external check is unavailable |\n| Environment and resources | inventories, selection, review, withdrawal and representative imagery | live visual review with privacy controls and selected resource records |\n| Family communication and protected reporting | translations, interpretations, consent, fees, refunds, complaints, reviews, reports, retaliation controls and emergency messages | compare language versions and precedence; trace complaint and protected-report cases; verify family access across material groups |\n| Safeguarding | designated-lead and governing-oversight records, code of conduct, routes, checks, training, cases, referrals and provider controls | protected sampling, interviews and current local external-interface verification |\n| Health and collection | child profiles, allergy, medication, emergency, contact and pickup records | trace selected children through ordinary and emergency arrangements |\n| Data and imagery | processing map, providers, transfers, access, retention, consent and incidents | live system demonstration and selected record verification |\n| External relationships | agreements, status evidence, monitoring, incidents and exit arrangements | independently verify holder, site, status, period and actual service control |\n| Public claims | websites, prospectus, contracts, displays, reports, social media and listings | compare claims with scope, evidence and source authority |\n| Experience and improvement | observations, child and family voice, complaints, incidents, analysis and actions | trace selected findings to action and follow-up |\n| Through-school interface | shared-control map, transition, records and distinct responsibilities | interview early childhood and school leadership; test one interface |\n| Closure and emergency protection | continuity funding, risk scenarios, alternatives, communications, records and financial arrangements | test a plausible cross-border, staffing, health, technology or closure interruption, or inspect an actual change case |","anchor":"annex-b","depth":0,"normativeKind":"ANNEX","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4300},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-annex-c","parentId":null,"clauseId":null,"nodeType":"SCHEDULE","label":"Annex C","heading":"Conformity and nonconformity interpretation (normative)","bodyText":"1. C requires current, attributable and verified evidence demonstrating implementation across the complete applicable early childhood scope.\n2. NC exists where an applicable obligation is absent, incomplete, contradicted, materially ineffective or inconsistently applied.\n3. A published curriculum, branded programme, multilingual sign or international event does not by itself establish C.\n4. Positive child observations or selected family testimonials do not compensate for an NC.\n5. NA is available only under the express condition stated in the affected clause.\n6. A material safeguarding gap, unreliable health or collection control, fabricated external status, concealed scope or misleading complete-organization claim shall be classified under ICEQC-CER-003 according to consequence and certification risk.\n7. Insufficient evidence requires withholding or limiting the conclusion and is not automatically C, NC or NA.","anchor":"annex-c","depth":0,"normativeKind":"ANNEX","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4400},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-annex-d","parentId":null,"clauseId":null,"nodeType":"SCHEDULE","label":"Annex D","heading":"Controlled public wording (normative)","bodyText":"The minimum public description shall identify:\n\n1. the accountable education organization;\n2. the complete early childhood organization, through-school component or bounded programme;\n3. Profile IS-E1, IS-E2 or IS-E3 in the controlled record;\n4. child age groups or developmental stages;\n5. sites, material languages and delivery modes;\n6. the applicable ICEQC documents and editions;\n7. the validity period and public-register link; and\n8. exclusions or limitations necessary to prevent K–12 school, government approval, programme-authorization or whole-organization misunderstanding.","anchor":"annex-d","depth":0,"normativeKind":"ANNEX","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4500},{"id":"node-org-2230-2026-2-annex-e","parentId":null,"clauseId":null,"nodeType":"SCHEDULE","label":"Annex E","heading":"Normative cross-reference and non-duplication map (normative)","bodyText":"| Module clause(s) | Principal source requirement(s) | Additional international early childhood application assessed here |\n|---|---|---|\n| 13 | QF-1000 clauses 9 and 22; ORG-2000 clauses 15–22; ORG-2120 clause 13; ORG-2200 clause 17 | The exact international early childhood object, age, care-education and whole-or-bounded profile must be distinguished. |\n| 14 | QF-1000 clauses 21 and 46; ORG-2120 clauses 14 and 18 | International, intercultural or multilingual purposes must be developmentally appropriate, observable in practice and non-guaranteeing. |\n| 15 | QF-1000 clauses 22–24; ORG-2120 clauses 14 and 18–22 | The declared international model must operate through age-appropriate play, relationships and inquiry rather than academic acceleration. |\n| 16 | QF-1000 clauses 10 and 13; ORG-2000 clauses 14 and 45; ORG-2010 clause 14 | Host early childhood, care, staffing, health and safeguarding dependencies must be mapped and verified without ICEQC acting as regulator. |\n| 17–19 | QF-1000 clauses 20–21, 24, 30 and 50–51; ORG-2120 clauses 14–22 | Multilingual development, home-language continuity, identity and everyday intercultural experience must be supported without misdiagnosis, stereotyping or compelled assimilation. |\n| 20–22 | QF-1000 clauses 15–18, 27, 30 and 44; ORG-2120 clauses 15–17 and 33 | International mobility, settling and transition require child-specific continuity and restrained readiness or admission claims. |\n| 23–24 | QF-1000 clauses 34–37 and 47–49; ORG-2120 clause 30 | Personnel competence, cross-jurisdiction recruitment and incomplete external checks must be controlled for languages, care and safeguarding roles. |\n| 25 | QF-1000 clauses 24 and 32–33; ORG-2120 clause 27 | Environments and resources must represent children and the wider world accurately and without harmful tokenism. |\n| 26 | QF-1000 clauses 10.6, 14–17 and 60–62; ORG-2120 clauses 16 and 32; GOV-009 clause 63 | Essential information, consent, complaints, reviews and protected reports must remain usable and consistent across family languages. |\n| 27 | QF-1000 clauses 36 and 47–49; ORG-2120 clauses 22–24 and 28–30 | Safeguarding must remain coherent across languages, jurisdictions, care routines, providers and local reporting interfaces. |\n| 28 | QF-1000 clauses 47–49 and 55; ORG-2120 clauses 15–16 and 24–26 | Health, dietary, cultural-care, consent, emergency and collection information must be understood and safely applied. |\n| 29 | QF-1000 clauses 54–56 and 71–73; ORG-2120 clause 29; ORG-2150 clauses 27–33 where selected | Cross-border child data, imagery, consent withdrawal, providers and incidents require specific control. |\n| 30 | QF-1000 clauses 38–39 and 59; ORG-2000 clause 17 | External programmes and services remain under the accountable organization's selection, monitoring, incident and exit controls. |\n| 31–32 | QF-1000 clauses 14, 44, 46 and 74; ORG-2120 clause 33; GOV-009 clauses 53–66 and 79 | Programme-owner status, international identity, development and readiness claims must preserve exact authority and evidence limitations. |\n| 33 | QF-1000 clauses 19, 46 and 65–69; ORG-2120 clauses 19–21 and 32 | Improvement must use developmentally interpreted child and family experience and material group differences without testimonial or causal overclaim. |\n| 34 | ORG-2010 clause 11; ORG-2110 clause 25; ORG-2120 clauses 17 and 33 | Shared through-school controls must not erase distinct early childhood responsibilities or inflate transition claims. |\n| 35 | QF-1000 clauses 27, 34 and 59; ORG-2120 clause 31 | Interruption and closure controls must be funded and preserve care, learning, records, fees, family communication and alternative placement. |\n| 36 | QF-1000 clauses 17, 27, 34 and 59; ORG-2000 clauses 29, 40 and 84 | Staffing, facilities, funding and dependency evidence must protect care and family commitments; ICEQC does not issue a solvency rating. |","anchor":"annex-e","depth":0,"normativeKind":"ANNEX","obligationLevel":"INFORMATION","assessmentUnit":false,"sortOrder":4600}]},"meta":{"generatedAt":"2026-10-22T01:08:26.299Z","version":"2026.1"}}