<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 13A.14.15.05" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="14" chapter_num="15" heading="Considerations for Approval.">
  <text>When considering whether to approve a pilot under this chapter, the Department:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Shall give priority to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Existing outdoor, nature-based early learning and child care programs that are licensed as camps by the Maryland Department of Health; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Existing licensed child care centers or registered family child care homes that participate in the Maryland EXCELS Program and are seeking to expand into outdoor, nature-based early learning;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Shall, to the extent practicable, select a mix of rural, urban, and suburban programs; and</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>May give priority to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Areas where there are few or limited licensed early child care programs; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Areas of need where licensed early child care programs are at or near full capacity, and where access may be restricted by enrollment waitlists.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>