Sec. 13a.14.10.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Accreditation" means the assessment of a facility by an accreditation organization approved by the Office, such as the:

(a) Maryland State Department of Education;

(b) National Association for the Education of Young Children;

(c) National Association for Family Child Care;

(d) National Early Childhood Professional Accreditation;

(e) National School Age Child Care Association; or

(f) National Accreditation Commission.

(2) "Applicant" means an individual applying for funding through the accreditation support fund.

(3) “Application fee” means:

(a) A fee charged by an approved accreditation organization for:

(i) Initial application;

(ii) Renewal of application;

(iii) Self-study; or

(iv) Annual Report; or

(b) Any other fee imposed by the accreditation organization related to an application for, the renewal of, or the maintenance of an accreditation.

(4) "Award" means any payment of money made by the Office under this chapter.

(5) "Facility" means a registered family child care home or a licensed child care center.

(6) "Fund" means the Child Care Accreditation Support Fund.

(7) "Grantee" means an individual who has received an award under this chapter.

(8) "Office" means the Credentialing Branch under the Office of Child Care, Division of Early Childhood Development, in the State Department of Education.

(9) "Program" means the staff, facility, environment, and overall organization of a family child care home or child care center.

(10) “Program improvement cost” means a cost incurred in purchasing approved instructional materials to meet MSDE accreditation standards.

(11) "Provider" means a:

(a) Registered family child care provider; or

(b) A child care center:

(i) Operator or director; or

(ii) Staff member.

(10) "Self-study" means the instrument issued by the accreditation organization for use by the provider to assess the child care facility.