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Accessing quality care programs in schools is essential for children’s development and provides crucial support for working families. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as Child Care Subsidy, makes these vital programs more accessible by helping eligible families in Maryland afford high-quality child care and early education. Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is now easier and faster than ever, thanks to the streamlined application process.
Care programs in schools play a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s early learning journey. These programs, encompassing preschool, before-and-after school care, and early childhood education initiatives, offer a structured and enriching environment that complements formal schooling. For working parents, these programs are not just a convenience but a necessity, ensuring their children are in safe, supportive, and educational settings during work hours. Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable care, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program.
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Maryland families, enabling them to enroll their children in high-quality care programs. Managed through CCS Central 2, this program ensures that financial constraints do not become a barrier to accessing crucial early education and care. If you’re a Maryland resident concerned about the cost of care programs in schools, the CCS program could be your solution.
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program?
To determine if your family can benefit from the CCS program and make care programs in schools a reality for your child, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements are designed to ensure that the scholarship supports families who need it most. Eligibility for the CCS Program requires that you are:
- A Maryland resident who is either employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must fulfill these eligibility requirements.
- A recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or within the CCS income guidelines detailed below.
- Willing to ensure your child is immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide appropriate documentation for exemption.
- Able to provide proof that each child requiring care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (Typically, a Birth Certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is required. Importantly, parents are not required to be U.S. citizens.)
- Prepared to provide proof of identity for all household members. (Government-issued documents are acceptable for parents, and birth certificates or immigration documents can serve as proof of identity for children.)
- Able to provide a Photo I.D. for the head of household.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship: A Fast Track to Care Programs
The application process for the Child Care Scholarship has been streamlined to be quicker and more user-friendly. The Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application process is designed to expedite assistance, potentially shortening the wait time to just three business days to receive help with child care expenses. This fast track option provides 60 days of child care assistance while your full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Here’s how to apply for a Child Care Scholarship and take the first step towards accessing care programs in schools:
Step 1: Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and creating an account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your information. For detailed guidance on registration, you can refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application. You will need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of your employment or enrollment in a training program or school.
- Proof of your Maryland residency (e.g., a utility bill or lease agreement).
Step 3: CCS Central 2 will process your fast track application within three business days.
Step 4: If you are deemed eligible, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued. This scholarship will assist with child care costs while your full application is processed. You will be asked to provide further information and documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Submitting the required additional information within 15 days of your fast track application ensures timely evaluation for a longer-term scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Guidelines for Child Care Scholarship Eligibility
Families within specific income brackets may qualify for a Child Care Scholarship, making care programs in schools affordable and within reach. The maximum annual income limits are structured based on family size to accommodate varying needs. Below are the income categories that determine eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship Program:
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 do not currently have an active child care scholarship, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” along with all required documents for an initial full evaluation for continued child care scholarship services beyond the 60-Day fast-track period. To be eligible under this scale, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – This scale is for families who have already received child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active child care scholarship that has not expired when applying for continued services. To be eligible under this scale, family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
How to use a Scholarship Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions
Transitioning to a Full 52-Week Scholarship
To secure a full, 52-week Scholarship and ensure sustained access to care programs in schools, families must submit additional documentation to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of receiving approval for their fast-track application. This step is crucial for long-term support and consistent access to child care. The following items are required for a full application:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income, including 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.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Once your CCS application is approved, it’s important to be aware that certain Scholarship Forms may be necessary for ongoing services and to report any changes in your circumstances. These forms help maintain accurate records and ensure continued eligibility.
Translated Scholarship Forms and Documents
CCS Central 2: Your Partner in Accessing Care Programs
CCS Central 2 is the central processing hub for Child Care Scholarship applications and provider payments, playing a vital role in connecting families with care programs in schools. For any questions or assistance regarding the scholarship program, CCS Central 2 is your primary point of contact.
For parent inquiries about the scholarship program, you can reach out through the following link:
Link to Parent Inquiry Form
For child care providers with questions about the scholarship program, please use this link:
Link to Provider Inquiry Form
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support and Open Office Hours
For direct support and guidance, the Child Care Scholarship program offers Customer Support and Open Office Hours. These sessions are designed to provide real-time assistance and answer any questions you may have about the application process or maintaining your scholarship.
Open Office Hours Calendar
| 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 |
Conclusion: Securing Your Child’s Place in a Care Program at School
Child Care Scholarships are a vital resource for Maryland families seeking to enroll their children in enriching care programs in schools. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of this program to make quality care accessible and affordable for your family. Don’t let financial concerns be a barrier to your child’s early education and care – explore the Child Care Scholarship program today and pave the way for their bright future in a supportive care program.
