If the department determines that, although in substantial compliance, a child care center does not meet all the applicable provisions of this act and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, but that the extent of the center’s deviation from legal requirements is not deemed hazardous to the education, health, safety, general well-being, and physical and intellectual development of the children, the department may issue a temporary license which may be issued for a period up to six months. The department may renew the temporary license as often as it deems necessary; but no child care center may operate with a temporary license for more than a total of 18 months.

L.1983, c. 492, s. 7.