(a)    (1)    The Council consists of at least 25 members, but no more than 30 members.

(2)    In appointing members to the Council, the State Superintendent shall, to the extent possible, appoint members representing geographically diverse jurisdictions across the State.

(b)    The members shall include:

(1)    1 member of the Senate of Maryland appointed by the President of the Senate;

(2)    1 member of the Maryland House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(3)    At least 1 representative, appointed by the Secretary, from:

(i)    The Maryland Department of Health;

(ii)    The Head Start Program;

(iii)    The Department;

(iv)    The Office of the State Fire Marshal;

(v)    A local government;

(vi)    A child care advocacy organization;

(vii)    An independent school, which may include a religious, nonsectarian, or nursery school;

(viii)    A child care resource and referral agency;

(ix)    The Department of the Environment;

(x)    A community college with an early childhood education program;

(xi)    The Maryland Association of Social Services Directors; and

(xii)    A professional organization concerned with the quality of early childhood programs;

(4)    At least 1 representative, appointed by the State Superintendent, who is:

(i)    A local fire official who has responsibility for the enforcement or administration of fire codes;

(ii)    A user of child care services; and

(iii)    A business person;

(5)    A pediatrician with an interest and expertise in child care issues, appointed by the State Superintendent;

(6)    At least two family child care providers, appointed by the State Superintendent; and

(7)    At least two child care providers from child care centers, appointed by the State Superintendent.

(c)    (1)    The term of a member is 3 years.

(2)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(3)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4)    (i)    If a vacancy occurs, the State Superintendent promptly shall appoint a successor who will serve until the term expires.

(ii)    The successor may be reappointed for a full term.

(5)    Any member who leaves the position with the organization or State agency that the member represents on the Council shall automatically lose the member’s appointment to the Council and the State Superintendent shall promptly appoint a successor.

(d)    From among the members of the Council, the State Superintendent shall appoint a chair.

(e)    (1)    A majority of the members then serving on the Council is a quorum.

(2)    The Council shall meet at least once a year at the time and place it decides.

(3)    The Department shall provide staff for the Council.

(f)    (1)    A member of the Council may not receive compensation for duties performed as a member of the Council.

(2)    A member of the Council who is a user of child care services, a family child care provider, or a child care provider from a child care center is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.