Finding quality childcare can be a significant challenge for many families, especially when considering the costs. In Maryland, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to help eligible families afford high-quality childcare and early education programs. This program is managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2) and aims to make the application process as quick and easy as possible.
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Image: Smiling children engaging in learning activities, representing the benefits of the Child Care Scholarship program for early childhood education.
The CCS program offers a Fast Track application process, potentially shortening the wait time for assistance to just three business days. If you’re eligible, this fast track can provide 60 days of childcare support while your full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This initiative ensures that families can access immediate help with childcare expenses.
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program?
To qualify for the Child Care Scholarship Program in Maryland, families must meet specific criteria. Eligibility is based on residency, work or education status, income, and the child’s age and status. Here are the key requirements:
- Maryland Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Maryland. If both parents live in the same household, both must meet all eligibility requirements.
- Work, Training, or Education: Parents must be employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. This requirement underscores the program’s goal to support working families and those pursuing education or job training.
- Income Guidelines: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or fall within the established CCS income guidelines. These guidelines are designed to support low to moderate-income families. (See the income chart provided later in this article for specific income limits.)
- Child’s Age and Disability: Scholarships are available for children younger than 13 years old, or for individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability. This broad age range ensures support for families with diverse childcare needs.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards, or families must provide valid documentation for exemption from immunization. This requirement prioritizes the health and safety of all children in childcare programs.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof that each child needing childcare is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien is required. A birth certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is acceptable. It’s important to note that parents are not required to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the program.
- Proof of Identity: Applicants must 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.
- Photo ID: The head of household is required to provide a photo ID.
For a detailed checklist of eligibility requirements, you can refer to the Eligibility Checklist. For frequently asked questions, consult the Scholarship FAQs and Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions. Brochures are also available for more information: Brochure and Spanish Brochure.
Applying for the Child Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is primarily done through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. The online application process is streamlined for user convenience. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Register in the Family Portal
Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org and create a new account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and enter your required information. If you need assistance with registration, detailed instructions are available at Learn How to Register.
Step 2: Complete the Fast Track Application and Submit Documents
Fill out the online Fast Track Scholarship application. It’s designed to be short and efficient. You will need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of 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. This quick turnaround is a significant benefit for families needing immediate childcare assistance.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application
If you meet the initial eligibility criteria, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued to help with childcare costs while your full application is processed. To determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship, you will be asked to provide additional information and documentation. Submitting this within 15 days of your Fast Track application ensures a timely decision on your 52-week Scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship Program
Families within certain income brackets may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship. The program uses two income scales: an Initial Income Scale for new applicants and a Continuation Income Scale for families already receiving assistance. The table below outlines the Maximum Annual Income for each family size under both scales.
| 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: Applies to families new to the scholarship program, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application, and those undergoing a full “Redetermination Application” for continued services beyond the 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below this scale.
** Continuation Income Scale: Applies to families who have already received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of childcare services and are applying for continued assistance. Family income must be below this scale.
For information on using a scholarship once approved, please refer to resources on How to use a Scholarship.
To apply for a full 52-week Scholarship, families must 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 (most recent four weeks of consecutive 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 address (e.g., utility bill, lease)
For ongoing scholarship management and to report any changes, additional Scholarship Forms may be required. Translated scholarship forms and documents are accessible here:
Image: Icon representing translated documents, linking to resources for non-English speaking families applying for the Child Care Scholarship.
CCS Central 2: Your Support for Child Care Scholarships
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and provider payments. For any questions or support, here’s how to contact them:
Image: Icon labeled “parent questions about the scholarship program,” linking to a contact form for parents seeking assistance.
Image: Icon labeled “provider questions about the scholarship program,” linking to a contact form for childcare providers with program-related inquiries.
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support & Open Office Hours
For direct assistance, the Child Care Scholarship program offers Customer Support and Open Office Hours. You can find the Open Office Hours Calendar for scheduled virtual support 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 |
Understanding Attendance Audits
It’s important for families participating in the CCS program to understand attendance audits and how to avoid potential repayment obligations. Maintaining accurate attendance records is crucial to ensure proper scholarship usage and prevent financial discrepancies.
Conclusion
The Child Care Scholarship program is a valuable resource for Maryland families seeking financial assistance for childcare. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, families can access the support they need to ensure their children have access to quality early education and care. If you believe you are eligible, we encourage you to explore the program further and begin your application through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal today.
