The Legislature finds all of the following:
(a)
That child day care facilities can contribute positively to a child’s emotional, cognitive, and educational development.
(b)
That it is the intent of this state to provide a comprehensive, quality system for licensing child day care facilities to ensure a quality day care environment.
(c)
That this system of licensure requires a special understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of the children served by child day care facilities.
(d)
That it is the intent of the Legislature to establish within the State Department of Social Services an organizational structure to separate licensing of child day care facilities from those facility types administered under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500).
(e)
That good quality child day care services are an essential service for working parents.