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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 13A.16.16.04" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="16" chapter_num="16" heading="Approval to Operate an Educational Program — Specific Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application for Approval.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Application for approval shall be made in a manner and form and according to timelines established by the office.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The applicant shall submit all information that the office considers necessary in order to ascertain compliance with the requirements of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An operator approved to operate an educational program may not apply for approval to operate another educational program if the educational program for which the operator is currently approved is not in full compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>An application for licensure as a Montessori school may not be approved until the applicant has successfully completed the process of validation, as required at COMAR 13A.09.09.03N, by an approved Montessori validating organization.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>When the office is satisfied that the requirements of this chapter have been met, the office shall issue to the applicant a child care center license, letter of compliance, or other approval document, as applicable, that certifies approval to operate an educational program.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The child care center license, letter of compliance, or other approval document, as applicable, shall specify the terms under which approval to operate an educational program has been granted, including the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Hours, days, and months of approved operation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Ages of children who may be enrolled in the program.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If the operator intends to change the terms under which approval has been granted, the operator shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Notify the office in writing at least 60 days before the occurrence of any change or changes; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Furnish any information the office considers necessary to approve the change or changes planned by the operator.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An operator may not seek approval of a change in the terms of the approval under any one or combination of the following circumstances:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The educational program demonstrates an area or areas of noncompliance;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The office has received and is investigating a complaint alleging that the educational program is in violation of one or more regulations under this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The office is implementing a sanction or an enforcement action against the child care center license, the letter of compliance, or other approval document, as applicable, pursuant to COMAR 13A.16, COMAR 13A.17, or COMAR 13A.18; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A deficiency hearing is pending before the State Board in accordance with Education Article, §2-206, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Notwithstanding the requirement established in §E of this regulation, an operator may seek approval of a change in the terms of the approval if approval of the change is the means for the operator to demonstrate compliance with this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>An operator may not implement a change in the terms of approval until the office has issued a revised child care center license, letter of compliance, or other approval document, as applicable, that reflects the change.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>An operator shall inform the office in writing at least 30 days before the operator ceases operating an educational program.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>