(a) Standards.—The Commandant shall require each Coast Guard child development center to meet standards of operation—

(1) that the Commandant considers appropriate to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children and employees at the center; and

(2) necessary for accreditation by an appropriate national early childhood programs accrediting entity.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b) Inspections.—

(1) In general.—Not less than twice annually, the Commandant shall ensure that each Coast Guard child development center is subject to an unannounced inspection.

(2) Responsibility for inspections.—Of the biannual inspections under paragraph (1)—

(A) 1 shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard installation served by the Coast Guard child development center concerned; and

(B) 1 shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard child development services work-life programs.

(c) National Reporting.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant shall maintain and publicize a means by which an individual can report, with respect to a Coast Guard child development center or a family home daycare—

(A) any suspected violation of—

(i) standards established under subsection (a); or

(ii) any other applicable law or standard;

(B) suspected child abuse or neglect; or

(C) any other deficiency.

(2) Anonymous reporting.—The Commandant shall ensure that an individual making a report pursuant to paragraph (1) may do so anonymously if so desired by the individual.

(3) Procedures.—The Commandant shall establish procedures for investigating reports made pursuant to paragraph (1).