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Navigating the landscape of child care can be challenging, but accessing high-quality early education and care programs is more achievable than ever for Maryland families. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to provide financial assistance, making care programs in schools and other settings affordable for eligible residents. This program recognizes the critical role of accessible childcare in supporting both children’s development and parents’ ability to work or attend school.
Understanding Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program
The Maryland Child Care Scholarship program acts as a vital support system, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent children from participating in enriching care programs. Managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), the program offers a streamlined application process and timely assistance. The Fast Track application option significantly reduces the waiting period, offering a preliminary 60-day scholarship to eligible families while the full application is processed. This rapid response ensures immediate support for families in need of care programs.
Who is Eligible for Child Care Scholarships?
Eligibility for the CCS Program is based on several key criteria, ensuring that assistance reaches families who need it most to access care programs in schools or other settings. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Maryland actively engaged in work, an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must meet these requirements to facilitate access to care programs that support family stability and children’s well-being.
- Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or meet the program’s income guidelines. These guidelines are structured to support low to moderate-income families in accessing essential care programs.
- Agree to have their child fully immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption. This requirement underscores the importance of health and safety within care programs.
- Provide proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status for each child requiring care. This is a standard requirement for many government assistance programs. It is important to note that parents themselves are not required to be US citizens.
- Provide proof of identity for all household members. This ensures the integrity of the application process and proper allocation of resources for care programs.
- Provide a Photo ID for the head of household. This is a standard identification requirement for program administration.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for Your Child Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Child Care Scholarship is designed to be user-friendly and accessible through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. This online system simplifies the process of applying for assistance to access care programs in schools and other settings.
Step 1: Account Creation:
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. New users should click “Register for a New Account” and complete the registration form. For detailed guidance, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Fast Track Application Submission:
Complete the concise online Fast Track Scholarship application. You will need to upload two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program or school. This verifies your eligibility based on activity requirements related to accessing care programs.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. This confirms your eligibility as a Maryland resident seeking support for care programs.
Step 3: Application Processing:
CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days. This rapid processing is a key feature of the program, designed to quickly connect families with care program assistance.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application:
If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary scholarship will be issued to assist with child care costs immediately. During this period, you will be required to provide additional information and documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week scholarship. Submitting this information within 15 days of your Fast Track application ensures a seamless transition to longer-term support for care programs.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarships
The Child Care Scholarship program utilizes income thresholds to determine eligibility, ensuring that assistance is directed to families who require financial support to access care programs. These income categories are structured to reflect the cost of living and the financial needs of families of different sizes.
Maximum Annual Income
| Child Care Scholarship Program |
|—|
| Family Size | Initial Income Scale* Maximum Annual Income Effective 12.15.2024 | Continuation Income Scale** Maximum Annual Income Effective 4.22.2024 |
| | Table used for new applications | Table used for Changes/Redeterminations |
| Family of 2 | $76,117 | $86,266 |
| Family of 3 | $94,026 | $106,563 |
| Family of 4 | $111,936 | $126,861 |
| Family of 5 | $129,846 | $147,159 |
| Family of 6 | $147,756 | $167,457 |
| Family of 7 | $151,114 | $171,262 |
| Family of 8 | $154,472 | $175,068 |
| Family of 9 | $157,830 | $178,874 |
| Family of 10 | $161,188 | $182,680 |
| Family of 11 | $164,546 | $186,486 |
| Family of 12 | $167,904 | $190,292 |
* Initial Income Scale – This scale applies to families who are new applicants, including those using the Fast-Track application for the initial 60-day scholarship and those undergoing a full evaluation for continued services beyond the fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale to qualify for care program assistance.
**Continuation Income Scale – This scale is for families already receiving child care services (at least 52 weeks to 24 months) and who are applying for continued support. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale to maintain access to care programs.
For those seeking a full, 52-week Scholarship to support ongoing participation in care programs, the following documents must be submitted to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of Fast Track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application – The comprehensive application form required for accessing long-term care program support.
- Verification of income – Documentation confirming household income to determine continued eligibility for care programs.
- Information for all household members – This includes you, your spouse, and the child’s other parent if residing in the household. Typically, the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs are required.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID) – Standard identification documents for all adult household members.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training) – Documentation verifying engagement in qualifying activities that necessitate child care support.
- Proof of all other income – Documentation of any additional income sources beyond employment.
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease) – Confirmation of current Maryland residency.
Upon CCS application approval, additional Scholarship Forms may be necessary for ongoing service management and to report any changes in circumstances that might affect eligibility for care programs.
Additional Scholarship documents are available to ensure families have all necessary resources to manage their participation in care programs.
CCS Central 2 is the central processing hub for Child Care Scholarship applications and provider payments. Contacting CCS 2 is straightforward for any queries or support needs related to care programs!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support and Resources
Open Office Hours Calendar provides a schedule for direct support and assistance.
| September 24, 2024 | May 20, 2025 | ||||||
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| 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 guidance is available to help families manage their scholarships effectively and maintain compliance, ensuring continued access to care programs.
