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Finding affordable, high-quality childcare is a top priority for many families. The Care Scholar Program, also known as the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program in Maryland, is designed to make this easier. This program provides financial assistance to eligible families, ensuring children have access to enriching early education and care. Applying for the Care Scholar Program is now more streamlined than ever, offering a quick and efficient way to access the support you need.
What is the Care Scholar Program?
The Care Scholar Program, previously known as the Child Care Subsidy, is a Maryland initiative dedicated to helping families afford quality childcare and early education. Managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), the program offers financial scholarships to qualifying families. Recognizing the immediate need for childcare support, the program features a Fast Track application process. This expedited system can shorten the waiting time to just three business days for initial assistance and provides 60 days of temporary support while your full application is being processed, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Scholarships are available for children under 13 years of age, and for individuals aged 13-19 with documented disabilities.
Who is Eligible for the Care Scholar Program?
To be considered eligible for the Care Scholar Program, applicants must meet specific criteria designed to ensure the program supports families who need it most. These eligibility requirements are in place to effectively distribute resources and prioritize those who qualify for assistance.
- Maryland Residency and Activity: Applicants must be residents of Maryland and be engaged in qualifying activities such as employment, participation in an approved training program, or enrollment in school. In households with two parents, both parents must fulfill these activity requirements to be eligible.
- Income Guidelines or Public Assistance: Eligibility extends to families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those who fall within the established Care Scholar Program income guidelines. These guidelines are structured to support families with demonstrated financial need.
- Child Immunization Compliance: To ensure the health and safety of all children in care, applicants must agree to have their child or children immunized according to Maryland state standards. Exceptions are made for documented exemptions from immunization for medical or religious reasons.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of each child’s U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status is required. This typically involves providing a birth certificate or relevant immigration documentation for each child needing care. It’s important to note that parents are not required to be citizens of the United States to apply for the program on behalf of their children.
- Proof of Identity: Applicants must provide proof of identity for all household members. For parents, this can be any government-issued identification. For children, a birth certificate or immigration documents can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo Identification: The head of household is required to provide a photo ID for verification purposes.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
How to Apply for the Care Scholar Program?
Applying for the Care Scholar Program is a straightforward process conducted through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
Step 1: Create Your Family Portal Account
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. If you are a new user, click on “Register for a New Account”. You will be prompted to enter your personal information to create your account. For detailed guidance on account registration, you can refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Fast Track Application
Once your account is set up, log in and locate the Fast Track Scholarship application. This short online form is designed for quick processing. You will need to submit two essential documents along with your application:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program or school. This verifies your qualifying activity.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Step 3: Application Processing – Fast Track Speed
CCS Central 2 is committed to processing Fast Track applications swiftly. You can expect your application to be reviewed within three business days. This rapid turnaround is designed to provide timely assistance to families in need of childcare support.
Step 4: Receiving Your Scholarship – Temporary and Full Support
If your Fast Track application is approved, you will receive a 60-day temporary scholarship. This immediate assistance helps cover childcare costs while your comprehensive application for a full 52-week scholarship is processed. To determine eligibility for the extended scholarship, you will be asked to provide further documentation and information. Submitting these additional documents within 15 days of your Fast Track application submission ensures a seamless transition and allows CCS Central 2 to assess your eligibility for the 52-week scholarship before your temporary support period concludes.
Create your account and apply now!
Families in the Following Income Categories May Be Eligible for a Child Care Scholarship
The following table outlines the maximum annual income thresholds for eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship Program. These income scales are updated periodically, so it’s important to refer to the most current information when applying.
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 applicants without a current child care scholarship, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for the 60-day scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all required documents for an initial full evaluation for continued services beyond the fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale to qualify.
** Continuation Income Scale – This scale is for families who have already received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of child care services 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 qualify.
Applying for a Full 52-Week Scholarship
To transition from the temporary Fast Track scholarship to a full 52-week scholarship, ensure you submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of your Fast Track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application – Complete the full application form online.
- Verification of income – Provide the most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs for all household members contributing to the income, including yourself and your spouse or the child’s other parent living in the household.
- Proof of identity – Submit identity verification documents such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or government-issued ID for all household members.
- Proof of approved activity – Documentation confirming your participation in work, school, or a job training program.
- Proof of all other income – Documentation for any additional sources of income.
- Proof of address – Provide a utility bill, lease, or other document to verify your current address.
Once your CCS application is approved, you may need to complete additional Scholarship Forms for continued services and to report any changes in your circumstances.
Additional Scholarship documents are available as needed.
CCS Central 2 Contact Information
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Care Scholar Program applications and managing payments to childcare providers. If you have questions or need assistance, here’s how to get in touch:
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours
For direct support and to have your questions answered in real-time, consider attending the Child Care Scholarship Customer Support Open Office Hours. Below is the schedule for upcoming sessions:
Open Office Hours Calendar
| September 24, 2024 | May 20, 2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2024 | June 10, 2025 | ||||||
| November 19, 2024 | July 15, 2025 | ||||||
| December 17, 2024 | August 19, 2025 | ||||||
| January 14, 2025 | September 16, 2025 | ||||||
| February 18, 2025 | October 21, 2025 | ||||||
| March 18, 2025 | November 18, 2025 | ||||||
| April 25, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
Attendance Audit: How to Avoid Having to Pay Back Money – Be sure to maintain accurate attendance records to avoid any potential overpayments and the need to repay scholarship funds.
The Care Scholar Program is a valuable resource for Maryland families seeking to provide their children with quality early care and education. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of this opportunity to access affordable childcare and set your children on the path to a bright future.
