# Education (GED)

## Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development

### Subtitle 4. Child Care Centers

#### Section 9.5-402

(a)

  (1) The General Assembly finds that:

    (i) A child is not capable of self-protection; and

    (ii) If care of a child is given over to another, mental and physical risks arise that need to be offset by reasonable protective measures.

  (2) The General Assembly also finds that:

    (i) There is a shortage of child care placements for children under the age of 2 years; and

    (ii) The rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle should provide for small child care centers that provide care in a homelike environment.

(b) The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or friends in giving child 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)