When considering whether to approve a pilot under this chapter, the Department:

1. A. Shall give priority to:

   1. (1) Existing outdoor, nature-based early learning and child care programs that are licensed as camps by the Maryland Department of Health; and
   2. (2) 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;
2. B. Shall, to the extent practicable, select a mix of rural, urban, and suburban programs; and

3. C. May give priority to:

   1. (1) Areas where there are few or limited licensed early child care programs; and
   2. (2) Areas of need where licensed early child care programs are at or near full capacity, and where access may be restricted by enrollment waitlists.

Authority: Education Article, §§2-205 and 9.5-1101—9.5-1104, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: March 3, 2025 (52:4 Md. R. 220)