Sec. 13a.14.08.04. Application for Approval

A. Initial Application. An organization or individual that is not currently approved to provide training to child care providers in Maryland shall:

(1) File with the Office a written application, on a form provided by the Office, and all required information, including:

(a) A completed workshop proposal form, provided by the Office, for each workshop to be offered;

(b) A detailed plan of instruction, which includes:

(i) Workshop goals and objectives;

(ii) A course syllabus or training outline that includes time frames for topics covered;

(iii) Information about how workshop content applies, or can apply, to all children and families, including those with special needs or limited English proficiency skills;

(iv) A statement of requirements for successful completion;

(v) A statement of the method or tool used for assessment; and

(vi) A bibliography;

(c) Written materials to be used during instruction;

(d) A sample certificate of completion;

(e) The evaluation form to be used;

(f) Documentation that each trainer meets the requirements of Regulation .05 of this chapter;

(g) A business plan stating:

(i) Registration practices and procedures; and

(ii) Policies and procedures regarding course cancellation, refunds, and attendee notification; and

(h) For an applicant organization, if required by the Office, a copy of the organization's certification by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation;

(2) Attend an orientation session offered by the Office to become acquainted with this chapter before submitting an initial application;

(3) Submit documentation of completion within 1 year by the individual, including each individual for whom an organization seeks trainer approval, of at least 6 clock hours of approved training in the training of adults;

(4) Agree to abide by the ethical standards for approved trainers and training organizations set by the Office; and

(5) Furnish three letters of reference, not from relatives, that attest to the capabilities of the applicant as a professional trainer.

B. Renewal of Approval. An organization or individual wishing to renew the approval shall file a complete written application and all required forms and information with the Office at least 30 calendar days before the current approval expires.

C. Response of the Office.

(1) Upon receiving the completed application and all required documentation for a first application or a renewal application, the Office shall determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter by:

(a) Evaluating the application;

(b) Reviewing the required documentation; and

(c) Reviewing any changes related to the applicant which might affect the status of the approval.

(2) Within 60 calendar days of the applicant's completion of the procedures in §A of this regulation, the Office shall:

(a) Issue an approval to offer training to child care providers in accordance with the provisions of this chapter if:

(i) The application is complete;

(ii) All required documentation has been received; and

(iii) The Office is satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter;

(b) Deny the initial approval or renewal approval if:

(i) The individual or organization fails to meet the requirements of this chapter;

(ii) The Office's evaluation of the application form reveals that the applicant reported false information;

(iii) The applicant has a documented history of serious or repeated violations of the regulations of Maryland or any other state concerning the care of children or adults that demonstrates a disregard for the health or safety of children;

(iv) The applicant has had an approval denied or withdrawn before the date on the application being considered unless the Office is satisfied that the condition that was the basis for the denial or withdrawal has been corrected; or

(v) Based on an evaluation of the character references received or other pertinent information, the Office finds evidence that raises reasonable doubt that the applicant can provide acceptable child care training.

(3) If the Office denies an application pursuant to §C(2)(b) of this regulation, the Office shall notify the applicant in writing of the denial stating:

(a) The reason for denial;

(b) The specific regulation with which the applicant has failed to comply that is the basis for the denial;

(c) That the applicant may appeal the denial; and

(d) The procedure to be used if the applicant wishes to appeal the denial.