MD SB402

Operators of residential child care programs must provide children ages 5-15 with scheduled study time, homework assistance, encouragement for extracurricular activities, and computer access for dually enrolled high school/college students

Operators must meet with teachers at enrollment and upon request to determine best ways to support the child, and contact teachers regarding assignments, behavior, and extracurricular opportunities

Children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, or behavioral intervention plans must receive applicable educational and behavioral goals within the residential program consistent with their plans

Child and youth care practitioner certification training must include 16 specified topics: child development, special needs, learning differences, behavior recognition, abuse/neglect reporting, suicide prevention, discipline techniques, communication, family collaboration, psychosocial needs, emergency preparedness, CPR/first aid, medication management, infection control, and food preparation

Effective date: July 1, 2026