What distinguishes laws from standards in the context of the Nursery Licensing program?

Laws provide a framework of definitions and regulations that establish the legal requirements governing practices within the nursery context. They are put in place by governmental authorities and are mandatory for compliance, meaning that all licensed nurseries must adhere to these laws to operate legally.

On the other hand, standards serve as guidelines that help organizations implement the laws operationally. They offer practical measures and procedures that can be followed to meet the legal requirements stipulated in the laws. While standards are often based on best practices and can be very useful in ensuring quality and safety, they are typically not enforced in the same way that laws are. This distinction highlights the complementary relationship between laws and standards where laws set the foundational legal obligations, and standards help facilitate compliance with these laws in everyday operations.