RS 17:407.32: Legislative intent; declaration of purpose and policy

It is the intent of the legislature to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the children of the state who are in out-of-home care on a regular or consistent basis. Toward that end, it is the purpose of this Part to establish statewide minimum standards for the safety and well-being of children in early learning centers, to ensure maintenance of these standards, and to regulate conditions in these centers through a program of licensing. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement a program of licensing for early learning centers and the state Department of Education shall administer the licensing program pursuant to such rules and regulations.