Md. Code, Education § 9.5–402

(a) (1) The General Assembly finds that:

(i) A child is not capable of self–protection; and

(ii) If care of a child is given over to another, mental and physical risks arise that need to be offset by reasonable protective measures.

(2) The General Assembly also finds that:

(i) There is a shortage of child care placements for children under the age of 2 years; and

(ii) The rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle should provide for small child care centers that provide care in a homelike environment.

(b) The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or friends in giving child care for a child, but is to aid each parent and protect each child from the risk present if:

(1) The child is cared for by an individual other than a relative or friend; and

(2) Children of more than one family are cared for together or, on different days, use the same facilities.