This document represents the first phase of Maryland's comprehensive child development plan. It includes: (1) statistical information on Maryland's children and their families, including population and demographic trends, income, health and social services and out-of-home care programs, (2) a definition of comprehensive child care and child development and the identification of services required to meet that definition, (3) a description of the legal base through which public programs and services are provided for young children and their families, (4) a review of licensing statutes and regulations for out-of-home child care, with recommendations for an improved system, (5) information and recommendations major child development programs and services including group and family day care, health and social services, educational programs, nutrition and child abuse, (6) priorities expressed by the county 4-C Councils and the Baltimore City 4-C Council, (7) the amount and source of Federal grants-in-aid for children's services and their allocation by program and political subdivision, (8) a discussion of the status of training for child care, child development and early childhood education personnel, (9) the volume, nature and scope of the child development services provided by voluntary agencies and hospitals, (10) an annotated list of major studies pertaining to Maryland's children, (11) major recommendations for an interagency structure with parent and citizen participation, and a statewide network for coordinating comprehensive child development services. (GO)