(a) A person desiring to operate a child day care facility shall apply in writing to the Department for a license.
(b) The Department shall supply the applicant with the appropriate application forms and a copy of the appropriate minimum standards.
(c) On receipt of the application, the Department shall conduct an investigation of the applicant and the plan of care for children. The investigation shall include the applicant's employment history and a check of the nationwide criminal recordkeeping systems in the United States.
(d) The Department shall complete its investigation and render a decision on the application within ninety days after receipt of the application.
(e) If the Department determines that the facility has reasonably satisfied all requirements, it shall issue a license.
(f) In issuing a license, the Department may impose restrictions on the facility, including, but not limited to, the number of children to be served and the ages of children to be served.
(g) A variance of an individual standard set forth in the standards may be granted for good and just cause by the Department.
(h) A license applies only to the location stated on the application and license issued and is not transferable from one person to another or from one place to another. If the location of the facility is changed or the owner of the facility is changed, the license shall be automatically revoked.
(i) The licensee must display the license in a prominent place at the facility.
(j) Not later than thirty days prior to expiration of its license, a facility may apply for a renewal of its license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. The application must be completed and acted on prior to the expiration of a license. Evaluation to determine if the applying facility meets all requirements must include a specified number of visits to the facility and review of all required forms and records.