MD HB635

Individuals seeking positions with direct contact with children at child care facilities (including registered family child care homes, licensed child care centers, and centers with letters of compliance) must submit to criminal history records checks under § 5–555 of the Family Law Article

State Department of Education must establish a centralized unit by June 30, 2027 to process and manage criminal history records checks for child care applicants, with required notification to applicants within 10 days of application status

Removes the cap of three Deputy State Superintendents of Schools, allowing the State Superintendent to appoint any number

Lowers the age threshold for probationary employment qualifications for first-time child care teachers from children at least 3 years old to children at least 2 years old

Department must review the background check process and submit a report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2028 on processing times, delays, and recommendations for improvement; effective date is October 1, 2026