(1) carry out the statutory mandate and goals of the Agency of Human Services and to use personnel, methods, and means in the most appropriate manner possible;

(2) with the approval of the Governor, take whatever action may be necessary to carry out the mission of the Agency of Human Services in an emergency situation;

(3) comply with federal and State laws and regulations regarding child care and child care subsidies;

(4) enforce child care regulations and regulatory processes, including regulations regarding the qualifications of early care and education providers and the prevention of abuse in connection with the provisions of child care services;

(5) develop child care regulations and regulatory processes subject to the rulemaking authority of the General Assembly and the Human Services Board;

(6) establish and administer quality standards under the STep Ahead Recognition System;

(7) solicit and accept for use any grant of money, services, or property from the federal government, the State, or any political subdivision or agency of the State, including federal matching funds, and to cooperate with the federal government or any political subdivision or agency of the State in making an application for any grant; and

(8) refuse to take any action that would diminish the quantity or quality of child care provided under existing law. (Added 2013, No. 187 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 5, 2014.)