(b)

1. (1) Acts 1983, No. 245, defines:

   1. (A) Those facilities that may apply for an exemption from obtaining of license to operate a childcare facility; and
   2. (B) The process through which such exemption may be granted.

2. (2) The facility must be:

   1. (A) Operated by a church or group of churches; and
   2. (B) Exempt from the state income tax levied by Acts 1929, No. 118, as amended.

3. (3) The person or persons in charge of such a facility shall submit a written request to the Office of Early Childhood for such exemption along with the following:

   1. (A) Verification of tax ID ownership by the church;
   2. (B) Verification that the facility is operated by a church or group of churches;
   3. (C) Verification that the facility has been inspected annually and meets the applicable fire safety and health standards; and
   4. (D) Certification from the facility that it is in substantial compliance with published standards that similar nonexempt OST facilities are required to meet.

(c) The office shall:

1. (1) Review each request for a church-operated exemption; and
2. (2) Reply in writing within sixty (60) days from receipt of such request.

(e) The office shall:

1. (1) Consider each request for exemption; and
2. (2) Review the office staff’s written report in determining a facility’s substantial compliance with published standards.

(g) Written notification of an exemption shall be made to the facility stating:

1. (1) The maximum number of participants allowable;
2. (2) The dates of exemption; and
3. (3) Any other conditions by which an exemption is granted.