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Finding quality and affordable infant care can be a significant challenge for many families. Fortunately, in Maryland, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program offers vital assistance to eligible families, making high-quality Infant Care Programs and early education accessible. Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is now streamlined and more user-friendly than ever, ensuring your little one gets the best start.
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS), formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support Maryland families in affording enriching child care and early education experiences. This program is expertly managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), a centralized vendor dedicated to efficient processing and support.
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application provides a swift pathway to support. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and access 60 days of child care assistance while their full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This rapid response is particularly beneficial when securing infant care programs, where timely support is crucial.
Scholarships are available for children from infancy up to:
- Children younger than 13 years old, ensuring support throughout early childhood.
- Individuals aged 13-19 years old with a documented qualifying disability, extending care options for families with specific needs.
Eligibility for the Infant Care Program Scholarship
To qualify for the CCS Program and access financial aid for your infant care program, you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Residency and Activity: Be a resident of Maryland and be actively working, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In households with two parents, both parents must fulfill these eligibility requirements.
- Financial Need: Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or meet the defined CCS income guidelines (detailed in the Annual Income Chart below). These guidelines are specifically designed to support families needing assistance with infant care program costs and beyond.
- Immunization Compliance: Agree to have your child fully immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide official documentation for Exemption from Immunization. This ensures the health and safety of all children in care settings.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Provide proof that each child requiring infant care or child care is a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien. (A Birth Certificate or official documentation certifying the child’s status is required for each child). Importantly, parents are not required to be citizens of the United States to apply for assistance for their children’s infant care program.
- Identity Verification: Be prepared to provide proof of identity for all members of your household. 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: The head of household will need to provide a Photo I.D. for verification purposes.
Eligibility Checklist
Scholarship FAQs
Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions
Brochure
Spanish Brochure
Applying for Your Infant Care Program Scholarship
Securing a Child Care Scholarship to help fund your infant care program involves a straightforward online application process through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Access the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create your personal account. Begin by clicking “Register for a New Account” and carefully enter your required information. For detailed guidance during registration, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application. You will be required to submit two essential documents:
- Verification of your employment status or enrollment in a training program/school.
- Proof of your Maryland residency (e.g., a recent utility bill or lease agreement).
Step 3: CCS Central 2 will process your fast-track application within three business days. This quick turnaround is especially helpful for families urgently needing infant care program assistance.
Step 4: If you meet the eligibility criteria, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued. This provides immediate financial support for infant care costs while your comprehensive application is fully reviewed. You will be asked to provide further details and documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. By submitting the requested information within 15 days of your fast track application, you will be notified of your eligibility for the extended 52-week Scholarship before the temporary one expires, ensuring continuous support for your infant care program needs.
Create your account and apply now!
Families in the Following Income Categories May Be Eligible for a Child Care Scholarship
Maximum Annual Income for Infant Care Program Assistance:
| 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 an existing child care scholarship, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship, and families submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all required documents for an “initial” full evaluation. This evaluation determines eligibility for continued child care scholarship services beyond the initial 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale to qualify for infant care program assistance.
**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 a current, active child care scholarship that has not expired when applying for continued services. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale for ongoing infant care program support.
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship for your infant care program, ensure you submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of receiving approval for your fast-track application:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of your current income. This typically includes the most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs. To fully complete your application, you MUST provide income verification for all household members, including yourself, your spouse, or your child’s other parent if they reside in your household.
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification).
- Proof of your approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of any other sources of income.
- Proof of your current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Once your full 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 to support your application process.
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and managing payments to providers offering infant care programs and other child care services.
Contact CCS Central 2 for Assistance!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support for Infant Care Programs
For direct assistance and answers to your questions about accessing scholarships for infant care programs, please refer to the Open Office Hours Calendar for scheduled support sessions.
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Attendance Audit: How to Avoid Having to Pay Back Money for your Infant Care Program (Note: This section title is kept as in the original, even though “infant care program” is added for keyword focus, as the original context is important).
Slideshow (Note: This section title is kept as in the original)
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.png)– Alt: Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program for Infant Care and Early Education- “ – Alt: Translated Child Care Scholarship Forms and Documents for Maryland Infant Care Program Assistance
- “ – Alt: Get Help with Your Infant Care Program Application: Contact Child Care Scholarship Support
- “ – Alt: Child Care Providers: Inquire About Infant Care Program Scholarship Payments
