HARRY HUGHES, Governor                               3605

(b) The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a
parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or
friends in giving day care for a child, but is to aid each
parent and protect each child from the risk present if:

(1) The child is cared for by an individual
other than a relative or friend; and

(2) Children of more than one family are cared
for together or, on different days, use the same facilities.

(C) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS THAT THERE IS A
SHORTAGE OF DAY CARE PLACEMENTS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE
OF 2 YEARS. TO ALLEVIATE THIS SHORTAGE, THE DEPARTMENT IS
INSTRUCTED TO ADAPT ITS REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS
FOR SMALL DAY CARE CENTERS WHICH CARE FOR INFANTS AND OTHER
CHILDREN IN A HOMELIKE ENVIRONMENT.

14-104.

(a) The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations
for licensing and operating group day care centers.

(b) These rules and regulations shall:

(1) Ensure safe and sanitary conditions in group
day care centers;

(2) Ensure proper care, protection, and

supervision of children in group day care centers;

(3)  Promote the sound growth and development of
children in group day care centers; [and]

(4) BE ADAPTED FOR CENTERS IN RESIDENCES OR
OTHER FACILITIES WITH CAPACITIES OF BETWEEN 7 AND 12
CHILDREN TO ENCOURAGE THE CARE OF INFANTS AND OTHER CHILDREN
IN A HOMELIKE ENVIRONMENT, WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE
IMPRACTICABILITY OF CONFORMING A. RESIDENCE TO STANDARDS
APPROPRIATE TO INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENTS; AND

[(4)] (5) Carry out otherwise the purposes and
requirements of this subtitle.

SECTION 2 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That any
person who, on June 30, 1982, is licensed by the Department
of Human Resources to provide family day care shall be
deemed to be registered under the provisions of this Act;
any requirements of this Act relating to "prospective
providers" or "initial registration" do not apply to persons
so situated.