Applying for assistance to access high-quality Early Childhood Care Programs is now more streamlined and user-friendly than ever before!
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, previously known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible families in Maryland in affording excellent child care and early education opportunities. This vital program is efficiently managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).
For families needing immediate support, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers an expedited process. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this fast track can shorten the waiting time for assistance with child care costs to just three (3) business days, providing 60 days of child care support while your full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed.
Scholarships are available for children who:
- Are younger than 13 years old, or
- Are between 13 and 19 years old and have a qualifying disability.
Eligibility Requirements for the CCS Program:
To be considered eligible for the CCS Program and benefit from these early childhood care program opportunities, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency and Activity: Be a resident of Maryland and be either employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In households with two parents, both parents must satisfy these eligibility requirements.
- Financial Need: Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fall within the CCS income guidelines (detailed below).
- Immunization Compliance: Be willing to ensure your child is immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide acceptable documentation for exemption.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Be prepared to provide proof that each child requiring child care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (A Birth Certificate or documentation confirming the child’s status is required for each child.) Note: Parents are not required to be U.S. citizens.
- Identity Verification: Be willing to provide proof of identity for all household members. (Acceptable proof of identity for parents includes any government-issued document. For children, a birth certificate or immigration status documentation can serve as proof of identity.)
- Photo Identification: Provide a Photo I.D. for the head of household.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
How to Apply for Early Childhood Care Program Assistance
To apply for a Child Care Scholarship and gain access to quality early childhood care programs, you must submit an application through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal, following the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Account Registration on the Family Portal
Navigate to the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create your personal account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your required information. If you need guidance during registration, detailed instructions are available.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Fast Track Application
Fill out the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application. You will need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of your employment or enrollment in a training program/school
- Proof of your Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Step 3: Application Processing
Your fast track application will be processed by CCS Central 2 within three (3) business days.
Step 4: Scholarship Issuance and Full Application
If you are deemed eligible based on your fast track application, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued. This will provide immediate assistance with child care costs while your comprehensive application is being reviewed for a potential 52-week Scholarship. You will be requested to provide further information and documentation to determine eligibility for the extended scholarship. By submitting the required additional documents within 15 days of your fast track application, you will be informed of your 52-week Scholarship eligibility status before the temporary scholarship period concludes.
Create your account and apply now!
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Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarship Program
Families meeting the following income criteria may qualify for a Child Care Scholarship, making early childhood care programs more accessible:
Maximum Annual Income
| Child Care Scholarship Program |
|---|
| Family Size |
| Family of 2 |
| Family of 3 |
| Family of 4 |
| Family of 5 |
| Family of 6 |
| Family of 7 |
| Family of 8 |
| Family of 9 |
| Family of 10 |
| Family of 11 |
| Family of 12 |
* Initial Income Scale – This scale applies to families who are new to the child care scholarship program, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for the 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” along with all required documents for an initial full evaluation for continued child care scholarship services beyond the initial 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
** Continuation Income Scale – This scale is for families who have already received child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active child care scholarship that has not expired when applying for continued services. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship and ensure sustained access to early childhood care programs, families must submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of receiving approval for their fast-track application:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income
- To fully complete your application, you are required to submit the listed information for all members of your household, including yourself, your spouse, or your child’s other parent if they reside in your household. This typically includes the most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification)
- Proof of your approved activity (work, school, or job training)
- Proof of all other sources of income
- Proof of your current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Upon approval of your CCS application, you may need to use the following Scholarship Forms for ongoing services and to report any changes in your circumstances:
Additional Scholarship Documents
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and Provider Payments. For assistance, here is how to contact CCS 2!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support
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