Maryland Family Law Section 5-578

      (a)      Each initial license and letter of compliance expires on the second anniversary of its effective date.

      (b)      Prior to expiration of an initial license or letter of compliance, and on application by the licensee or letter of compliance holder that meets the requirements set by the Department, a continuing license or letter of compliance may be issued that remains in effect until surrendered, suspended, revoked, or replaced by a conditional license or letter of compliance.

      (c)      The Department shall inspect each child care center operating under a license or a letter of compliance:

            (1)      on an announced basis prior to issuing the license or letter of compliance and at least every 2 years thereafter to determine whether applicable requirements, including record keeping requirements, are being met; and

            (2)      on an unannounced basis at least once during each 12-month period that the license or letter of compliance is in effect to determine whether safe and appropriate child care is being provided.