(a)      Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be licensed by the Department as a child care institution before the person may operate an institution for the care, custody, or control of a child alleged or adjudicated as delinquent or in need of supervision.

      (b)      This section does not apply:

            (1)      To an institution or facility operated by an agency of this State or any political subdivision; or

            (2)      To a child care home that has a license under this title or § 5-508 of the Family Law Article.