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Finding high-quality Infant Day Care Programs can be both emotionally and financially challenging for parents. The good news is that accessing affordable, enriching care for your little one is within reach. Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is now easier than ever, opening doors to exceptional early learning environments for your infant.
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS), formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible families in Maryland in affording top-tier child care and early education programs. This crucial program is managed efficiently through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application process significantly reduces the waiting time. Eligible families can receive help with infant day care program expenses within just three business days and benefit from 60 days of child care assistance while the full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This ensures your infant can quickly access the care they need.
Scholarships are available for children younger than 13, and also for individuals aged 13-19 with qualifying disabilities, ensuring comprehensive support for families with diverse needs.
Is Your Family Eligible for Infant Day Care Program Assistance?
To qualify for the CCS Program and access financial aid for infant day care programs, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Maryland and be employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must fulfill these eligibility requirements.
- Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or meet the CCS income guidelines (detailed below).
- Be willing to ensure your child is immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption from immunization.
- Be prepared to provide proof that each child requiring infant day care is a United States citizen or a qualified alien. (A Birth Certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is required for each child.) It’s important to note that parents are NOT required to be US citizens.
- Be willing to provide proof of identity 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.)
- The head of household must provide a Photo I.D.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Simple Steps to Apply for Infant Day Care Program Assistance
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship to help with infant day care program costs involves a straightforward online application process through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
Step 1: Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create your personal account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your information. For registration guidance, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application and upload 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: CCS Central 2 will process your fast track application within three business days, ensuring a quick turnaround for families seeking infant day care assistance.
Step 4: If deemed eligible, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be issued to assist with infant day care program expenses while your comprehensive application is processed. You will be asked to provide further documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Submitting the additional information within 15 days of your fast track application ensures you will be informed of your 52-week Scholarship eligibility before the temporary Scholarship expires, providing continuous support for your infant’s care.
Start your application for infant day care assistance now!
Income Eligibility for Infant Day Care Program Scholarships
These income guidelines help determine if your family may be eligible for a Child Care Scholarship to support infant day care program costs.
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 to the child care scholarship program, including those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all necessary documents for an “initial” full evaluation for continued child care scholarship services beyond the initial 60-day fast-track period. To qualify under this scale, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**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. To qualify under this scale, family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
Learn more about using your Scholarship for infant day care
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship for ongoing infant day care program support, families need to submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of fast-track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income
- To fully complete your application, ensure you include the information listed for all household members, including yourself, your spouse, or your child’s other parent if they reside in your household. This includes the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification)
- Proof of approved activity (e.g., work, school, or job training)
- Proof of all other sources of income
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease)
Once your CCS application is approved, the following Scholarship Forms may be required for continued services and to report any changes in your circumstances:
Explore additional Scholarship documents for more detailed information.
CCS Central 2 is your primary point of contact for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and Provider Payments related to infant day care programs. Contact CCS 2 using the resources below!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support for Infant Day Care Programs
View the Open Office Hours Calendar for direct 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: Learn How to Avoid Repaying Scholarship Funds for Infant Day Care
