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Finding quality and affordable Day Care Programs is a top priority for many families. The good news for Maryland residents is that accessing financial assistance for child care is now more streamlined than ever. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to help eligible families manage the costs of high-quality day care and early education. This program, managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), makes applying for support simple and efficient.
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a significantly reduced waiting period. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and gain access to 60 days of child care assistance while their full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This fast-track option ensures that children can quickly access the day care programs they need, allowing parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Scholarships are available for children under 13 years of age, and for individuals aged 13-19 with qualifying disabilities. This broad eligibility ensures that a wide range of families can benefit from the program and access crucial day care services.
Understanding the Eligibility for Day Care Program Assistance
To qualify for the CCS Program and receive assistance with day care program expenses, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Residency and Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are either employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must fulfill these eligibility requirements.
- Financial Need: Eligibility extends to recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those who meet the CCS income guidelines (detailed below). These guidelines ensure that the scholarship supports families who need it most to access day care programs.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions. This requirement prioritizes the health and safety of all children in day care settings.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing day care. (A birth certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is acceptable). It’s important to note that parents are not required to be US citizens to apply.
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is necessary for all household members. For parents, any government-issued document is acceptable. For children, a birth certificate or immigration status documentation can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo ID: A Photo ID is required only for the head of household.
Eligibility Checklist Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships Fast Track Scholarship FAQs Program Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for Child Care Scholarship to Access Day Care Programs
The application process for the Child Care Scholarship, which enables access to affordable day care programs, is conveniently online through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Account Registration: Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create a user account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your details. For registration assistance, refer to the Registration Instructions.
Step 2: Fast Track Application Submission: Complete the online Fast Track Scholarship application. You’ll need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Step 3: Application Processing: CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days. This rapid processing ensures quick access to day care program assistance for eligible families.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application: If deemed eligible, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued to help cover day care program costs while your full application is processed. To determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship, you will be asked to provide further information and documentation. Submitting this within 15 days of your Fast Track application ensures you’ll know your 52-week Scholarship eligibility status before the temporary one expires, providing continuous support for your day care needs.
Start Your Application for Day Care Assistance Now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarship to Support Day Care Costs
These income guidelines determine eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship, helping families access affordable day care programs.
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 for the child care scholarship, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all required documents for an “initial” full evaluation. This is 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 already receiving child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active child care scholarship that hasn’t expired when applying for continued services – family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
Learn More About Using Your Scholarship for Day Care
To apply for a full 52-week Scholarship and secure longer-term support for day care programs, families must submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of Fast Track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Income verification documents
- Information for all household members (you, your spouse, or the child’s other parent living in your household), including:
- Most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease).
Upon CCS application approval, you may need additional Scholarship Forms for continued services and to report any changes.
Click here to access translated scholarship forms and documents
Additional Scholarship documents are available to support your access to day care programs.
CCS Central 2 manages Child Care Scholarship applications and payments to day care providers. Contact CCS 2 for assistance!
Click here for parent scholarship program questions
Click here for day care provider scholarship program questions
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support for Day Care Programs
Open Office Hours Calendar provides scheduled times for support.
| September 24, 2024 | May 20, 2025 | ||||||
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| October 8, 2024 | June 10, 2025 | ||||||
| November 19, 2024 | July 15, 2025 | ||||||
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| April 25, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
Attendance Audit: Guidance to Avoid Repayment Issues for Day Care Services
This information helps day care providers and families understand attendance audits and avoid potential repayment situations related to scholarship funds.
Slideshow (For Day Care Providers and Families)
This section may contain a slideshow presentation with further details about the Child Care Scholarship program and its benefits for accessing day care programs.
