1.    An application for operation of an early childhood program must be made on forms provided, in the manner prescribed, by the department. The department shall investigate the applicant’s activities and proposed standards of care and shall make an inspection of all premises to be used by the early childhood program applying for a license. The applicant for a license and the staff members, and, if the application is for a program that will be located in a private residence, every individual living in that residence must be investigated in accordance with the rules adopted by the department to determine whether any of them has a criminal record or has had a confirmed decision for child abuse or neglect. The department may use the findings of the investigation to determine licensure. Except as otherwise provided, the department shall grant a license for the operation of an early childhood program within thirty days     of receipt of a completed application and all supporting documents by the department and upon a showing:

a.    The premises to be used are in fit and sanitary condition, are properly equipped to provide for the health and safety for all children, and are maintained according to rules adopted by the department; b.    Staff members are qualified to fulfill the duties required of the staff members according to the provisions of this chapter and standards prescribed for staff member qualifications by the rules of the department; c.    The application and supporting documents do not include any fraudulent or untrue representations; d.    Neither the applicant nor anyone who is listed on the application has had a previous license or self-declaration denied or revoked within the twelve months before the date of the current application, unless waived by the department after the department considers the health and safety of children and the licensing history of the owner, operator, or applicant; e.    Neither the applicant nor anyone who is listed on the application has had three or more previous licenses or self-declarations denied or revoked. The most recent revocation or denial may not have occurred within the three years immediately preceding the application date; f.    The applicant paid its license fees and any penalties and sanctions previously assessed against the applicant or any program the applicant is associated with as required by sections 50-11.1-03 and 50-11.1-07.4; and

g.    Staff members have received training and are currently certified in infant and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including the use of an automated external defibrillator by the American heart association, American red cross, or other similar cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training programs that are approved by the department, and are currently certified in first aid by a program approved by the department.

2.    The license issued to an early childhood program may not be effective for longer than two years.

3.    The department may consider the applicant’s past licensing, self-declaration, and registration history in determining whether to issue a license.

4.    The department may issue a provisional or restricted license in accordance with the rules of the department. The department shall consider issuing a provisional or restricted license before revoking a license. The department may require the applicant or licensee to provide a compliance plan to address compliance issues with this chapter and rules of the department. The department shall review the compliance plan before issuing a provisional or restricted license. The department shall approve the provisional license if the department approves the compliance plan. The department may revoke a license if the licensee fails to comply with the department approved compliance plan or for any additional violations of this chapter or rules of the department.

5.    The department shall notify the licensee and operator that the licensee and operator are required to post a notice of late application at the early childhood program premises if the department has not received a completed application and all supporting documents for licensure or self-declaration renewal at least thirty days before the expiration date of the early childhood program’s license.