(a) A petition under this subtitle shall allege that a child who is required to attend school failed to attend school without lawful excuse and shall set forth in clear and simple language the facts supporting the allegation.
(b) (1) Whenever a petition is filed under this subtitle the court shall hold an adjudicatory hearing.
(2) The rules of evidence under Title 5 of the Maryland Rules shall apply at an adjudicatory hearing under this section.
(3) The allegations in a petition under this subtitle shall be proved by a preponderance of the evidence.