Applying for the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) in Maryland is now streamlined, offering crucial financial assistance for families seeking high-quality Infant Care Programs. If you’re a Maryland resident in need of support to afford infant care, the CCS program, formerly known as Child Care Subsidy, can significantly ease the financial burden. Managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), the program ensures that eligible families can access enriching early education and care for their infants and young children.
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Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program assists families in accessing affordable care for their children, including infant care programs.
For parents eager to secure infant care quickly, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers an expedited process. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and gain 60 days of temporary assistance while their full application is being processed. This fast-track option is particularly beneficial for parents urgently seeking infant care programs.
Scholarships are available for children younger than 13 years old, or individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability, making it applicable for families with infants transitioning into toddler programs and beyond.
Eligibility Requirements for Infant Care Program Assistance
To qualify for the CCS Program and receive support for infant care programs, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Maryland 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 must fulfill these eligibility requirements to support their child’s access to infant care programs.
- Income Guidelines and Public Assistance: Eligibility extends to recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those who meet the CCS income guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the scholarship supports families who need financial aid to afford infant care.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions. This requirement safeguards the health of all children in care, including infant care settings.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing care. (A Birth Certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is acceptable.) It is important to note that parents are not required to be US citizens to apply for assistance for infant care programs.
- Proof of Identity: Identity verification is necessary for all household members. Acceptable proof includes government-issued documents for parents and birth certificates or immigration documents for children.
- Photo ID: A Photo ID is required for the head of household to ensure secure application processing.
Eligibility Checklist
Scholarship FAQs
Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions
Brochure
Spanish Brochure
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship to Access Infant Care
The application process for the Child Care Scholarship, crucial for accessing infant care programs, is conducted through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Family Portal Account Registration: Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create an account by clicking “Register for a New Account”. Enter your details as prompted. For registration assistance, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit Fast-Track Application: Fill out the fast-track online Scholarship application and submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program or school, demonstrating your need for infant care support due to work or study commitments.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease, confirming your eligibility within the state to access infant care programs.
Step 3: Application Processing: CCS Central 2 will process your fast-track application within three business days, ensuring a swift response to your need for infant care assistance.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application: If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary Scholarship will be issued to help cover infant care costs while your full application is processed. To determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship, which provides longer-term support for infant care programs, additional information and documentation will be requested. Providing these within 15 days of your fast-track application submission will expedite the decision on your 52-week scholarship before the temporary one expires, ensuring continuous support for your infant care needs.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarships for Infant Care
Families within specific income brackets may qualify for a Child Care Scholarship to help with infant care program expenses. The following table outlines the maximum annual income limits:
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 for a Fast-Track 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” for continued services beyond the initial 60 days. To be eligible under this scale for infant care program assistance, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – applies to families already receiving child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months who are applying for continued services and have an active scholarship not expiring at the time of application. To remain eligible under this scale for ongoing infant care program support, family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
For a full, 52-week Scholarship, essential for sustained infant care program access, families must submit the following to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of fast-track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income to assess financial need for infant care support.
- Comprehensive information for all household members, including you and any spouse or co-parent in your household. This typically includes the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID) for verification purposes.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training), justifying the need for infant care.
- Proof of all other income sources for a complete financial assessment.
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease) to confirm Maryland residency for infant care program eligibility.
Upon CCS application approval, various Scholarship Forms may be needed for ongoing services and to report any changes relevant to your infant care arrangements.
Access translated scholarship forms and documents to assist with your Child Care Scholarship application for infant care programs.
Additional Scholarship documents may be required to maintain consistent support for infant care.
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and payments to providers. Contact CCS 2 for any queries!
Click here to submit parent questions about the Child Care Scholarship program, particularly regarding infant care programs.
Providers can submit questions about the Child Care Scholarship program and its application to infant care settings.
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support for Infant Care Enquiries
Open Office Hours Calendar provides scheduled times for support.
| 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: How to Avoid Repayment Issues – Understand attendance policies to ensure smooth scholarship usage for infant care programs.
