The purpose of this chapter is as follows:
(a)
To provide a comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective system of child care and development services for children from infancy to 13 years of age and their parents, including a full range of supervision, health, and support services through full- and part-time programs.
(b)
To encourage community-level coordination in support of child care and development services.
(c)
To provide an environment that is healthy and nurturing for all children in child care and development programs.
(d)
To provide the
opportunity for positive parenting to take place through understanding of human growth and development.
(e)
To reduce strain between parent and child in order to prevent abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
(f)
To enhance the cognitive development of children, with particular emphasis upon those children who require special assistance, including bilingual capabilities to attain their full potential.
(g)
To establish a framework for the expansion of child care and development services.
(h)
To empower and encourage parents and families of children who require child care services to take responsibility to review the safety of the child care program or facility and to evaluate the ability of the program or facility to meet the needs of the
child.