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Navigating the costs of Day Care Programs can be challenging for families. Fortunately, accessing high-quality child care and early education in Maryland is now more attainable than ever, thanks to the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program. Formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, this program offers crucial financial assistance to eligible Maryland families, making day care programs affordable and accessible. Managed efficiently through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), the application process is streamlined and user-friendly.
For families needing immediate support, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application is a game-changer. Eligible applicants can receive assistance with day care expenses within just three business days. This fast-track option provides 60 days of temporary support while your full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed, offering immediate relief and peace of mind.
Scholarships are available to support families with:
- Children younger than 13 years old.
- Individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability.
Eligibility for Day Care Program Assistance through CCS
To qualify for the CCS Program and receive assistance for day care programs, families 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) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as families who meet the CCS income guidelines (detailed below). These guidelines ensure that the scholarship supports families who genuinely need help affording 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 programs.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing day care. Acceptable documentation includes a birth certificate or relevant immigration documents. Importantly, parents are not required to be US citizens to apply for assistance for day care programs.
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is necessary for all household members. For parents, any government-issued ID is acceptable. For children, a birth certificate or immigration documentation can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo ID: The head of household is required to provide a Photo ID for verification purposes.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for Day Care Program Assistance: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing a Child Care Scholarship to help with the cost of day care programs involves a straightforward online application process via the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Account Registration on the Family Portal
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and creating a user account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your required information. For detailed guidance, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the Fast Track Application
Fill out the brief online Fast Track Scholarship application and submit two essential documents:
- Proof of current employment or enrollment in a training program or school.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Step 3: Application Processing
CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days, ensuring a quick turnaround for families seeking support for day care programs.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application
If deemed eligible, you will receive a temporary 60-day Scholarship to assist with day care program costs while your comprehensive application is processed. To determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship, you will be asked to provide further documentation and information. Submitting this within 15 days of your fast track application allows for a seamless transition to longer-term support before the temporary scholarship expires, ensuring continuous assistance for day care programs.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarships to Access Day Care Programs
Families meeting the following income criteria may be eligible for a Child Care Scholarship, making quality day care programs more accessible:
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 – Applies to families without a current child care scholarship, those applying via the Fast-Track for a 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all initial documents for a full evaluation beyond the 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below this scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – For families who have already received child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active, unexpired child care scholarship when applying for continued services. Family income must be below this scale.
For a full 52-week Scholarship to support ongoing day care program expenses, 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
- Income verification (most recent four weeks of pay stubs).
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease).
Upon CCS application approval, additional Scholarship Forms may be necessary for continued services and for reporting any changes in circumstances.
CCS Central 2: Your Resource for Day Care Program Scholarship Support
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and managing payments to day care program providers. Contact them for any inquiries regarding your application or scholarship:
Direct Support for Child Care Scholarship Customers
Open Office Hours Calendar
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| April 25, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
Understanding Attendance Audits for Child Care Scholarships
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