(a) There is a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program.
(b) (1) The Department shall administer the Program.
(2) The Department shall consult with the Department of Natural Resources when reviewing the recreational components of an extended day or summer enhancement program.
(c) (1) (i) On or before December 1, 2016, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall develop a comprehensive plan for extended day or summer enhancement programs.
(ii) The comprehensive plan required by subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall address:
1. Leveraging public and private funding sources as well as federal funding sources to support extended day and summer enhancement programs;
2. The special needs of children with disabilities;
3. Using school buildings, public libraries, and local public transportation resources for extended day and summer enhancement programs;
4. Providing technical assistance to nonprofit organizations;
5. Expanding the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs in the State; and
6. Integrating the plans developed by local jurisdictions to expand the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs.
(2) On or before December 1, 2017, and each year thereafter, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall review and update the comprehensive plan required in paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection.
(d) (1) The Department shall use the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework to monitor and assess the quality of the extended day and summer enhancement programs provided by nonprofit organizations that receive funding in accordance with this subtitle.
(2) The Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework does not supersede applicable child care center licensing regulations.