2013 Maryland Code
FAMILY LAW
§ 5-550 - Definitions

§5-550.

(a) In Part V of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Department” means the State Department of Education.

(c) “Direct Grant Fund” means the Family Child Care Provider Direct Grant Fund.

(d) “Family child care provider” means an individual who cares for children in a registered family child care home or a registered large family child care home.

(e) “State Superintendent” means the State Superintendent of Schools.

§ 5-550 - 1. Registration system

(a) Implementation. -- The Department shall implement a system of registration for family child care homes and large family child care homes.

(b) Purpose. -- The purpose of registration of family child care homes and large family child care homes is to:

(1) protect the health, safety, and welfare of children while they are in family child care;

(2) identify family child care homes and large family child care homes;

(3) provide basic technical assistance and child care information to child care providers; and

(4) minimize the regulatory rigidity often associated with licensing.

(c) Legislative intent. -- The system of registration is intended to promote a high degree of flexibility in the regulation of family child care homes and large family child care homes while assuring the health and safety of children who are cared for in family child care homes and large family child care homes.