a. The intent of this subarticle is to define the regulatory duties of government necessary to safeguard children in care in places other than their own homes, insuring for them minimum levels of protection and supervision. Toward that end, it is the purpose of this subarticle to establish statewide minimum regulations for the care and protection of children in child day care facilities, to insure maintenance of these regulations and to approve administration and enforcement to regulate conditions in such facilities. It shall be the policy of the State to insure protection of children under care in child day care facilities, and to encourage the improvement of child day care programs.

b. It is the further intent of this subarticle that the freedom of religion of all citizens shall be inviolate. Nothing in this subarticle shall give any governmental agency jurisdiction or authority to regulate, supervise or in any way be involved in any Sunday school, Sabbath school, religious services or any nursery service or other program conducted during religious or church services primarily for the convenience of those attending such services.

c. Nothing in this subarticle shall create authority for the Department of Social Services to influence or regulate the curriculum of child day care facilities.