Child care programs play a crucial role in supporting families and fostering the healthy development of children. For many parents, understanding what constitutes a child care program and how to access affordable options is a significant concern. This article aims to clarify what child care programs are, particularly focusing on the support available in Maryland through the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, previously known as the Child Care Subsidy.
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Child care programs are broadly defined as services designed to supervise and care for children when their parents or guardians are working, attending school, or engaged in other activities. These programs can range from informal arrangements with family members or neighbors to structured, licensed centers and preschools. High-quality child care not only provides a safe and nurturing environment but also offers enriching early learning experiences that are vital for a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
In Maryland, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is a key resource for eligible families seeking assistance with the costs of these essential services. The program is administered through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), streamlining the application process and making it more accessible for families in need.
Eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship Program
To determine if your family can benefit from the Child Care Scholarship program in Maryland, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. These criteria are designed to ensure that the assistance reaches families who need it most. To be eligible for the CCS Program, applicants must meet several conditions:
- Residency and Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are either employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In households with two parents, both parents must satisfy these activity requirements.
- Financial Need: Eligibility extends to recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as families who fall within specific CCS income guidelines. These guidelines are structured to support low to moderate-income families.
- Immunization Compliance: To ensure the health and safety of all children in care, applicants must be willing to have their child immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of each child’s U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status is required, typically in the form of a birth certificate or relevant immigration documentation. It’s important to note that parents are not required to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the scholarship.
- Identity Verification: Applicants must provide proof of identity for all household members. For parents, this can be any government-issued ID, while children’s birth certificates or immigration documents can serve as identity proof.
- Photo Identification: The head of household is required to provide a Photo ID for verification purposes.
Eligibility Checklist and Scholarship FAQs are available for more detailed information. For those needing quicker assistance, the Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions can be helpful. You can also find program overviews in the Brochure and Spanish Brochure.
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of applying for a Child Care Scholarship in Maryland is designed to be user-friendly through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step:
Step 1: Account Registration on the Family Portal
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org. To start your application, you will need to create an account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and fill in your details. If you require assistance with registration, detailed instructions are available.
Step 2: Completing the Fast Track Application
Once registered and logged in, complete the online Fast Track Scholarship application. This initial application is streamlined to expedite the process. You will need to submit two essential documents at this stage:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program or school. This could be a recent pay stub, a school enrollment letter, or training program documentation.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement showing your current address.
Step 3: Application Processing
CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days. This quick turnaround is designed to provide rapid support to eligible families.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application
If you are deemed eligible based on your Fast Track application, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued to help with immediate child care expenses. During this 60-day period, your full Child Care Scholarship application will be processed. To determine eligibility for a longer-term, 52-week Scholarship, you will be asked to provide further information and documentation. Submitting the required documents within 15 days of your Fast Track application submission will allow CCS Central 2 to determine your eligibility for a 52-week scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Start your application process today! Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility Guidelines
The Child Care Scholarship program utilizes income scales to determine eligibility, ensuring that support is directed to families with financial need. It’s important to understand the different income scales:
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 an existing child care scholarship, those applying for the 60-Day Fast-Track Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” for a full evaluation beyond the initial 60-day period. To qualify under this scale, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale limits.
** Continuation Income Scale: This scale is for families who have previously received child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active child care scholarship that has not yet 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 here.
To transition from the temporary scholarship to a full, 52-week Scholarship, 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 (full version)
- Verification of income for all household members, including you, your spouse, or the child’s other parent living in your household. Typically, this includes the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other sources of income, if applicable.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
For ongoing scholarship services and to report any changes, additional Scholarship Forms may be required.
Contacting CCS Central 2 for Support
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and managing payments to child care providers. For any questions or assistance, here’s how to get in touch:
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours
For direct assistance and real-time support, consider attending the Child Care Scholarship Customer Support Open Office Hours. Here’s the schedule for upcoming sessions:
| 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 – This is an important aspect to be aware of to ensure continued eligibility and avoid financial repercussions.
Conclusion
Understanding what child care programs are and how to access financial assistance is crucial for working families. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship program is a valuable resource, making high-quality child care more affordable and accessible. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, families can take advantage of this support and ensure their children benefit from enriching early learning experiences. For more information and to begin your application, visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
