Applying for financial assistance for Day Care in Maryland has never been simpler. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible Maryland families in affording high-quality day care and early education opportunities for their children. This program, managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), ensures that financial constraints don’t prevent children from accessing enriching day care environments.
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For families needing immediate day care support, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a streamlined process. Eligible families can receive assistance within just three business days, providing 60 days of temporary support while the full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This fast-track option is a crucial resource for parents urgently seeking affordable day care solutions.
Scholarships are available for children under 13 years old, and for individuals aged 13-19 with qualifying disabilities, ensuring a wide range of families can benefit from subsidized day care services.
Day Care Scholarship Eligibility: Key Requirements
To qualify for the CCS Program and receive day care assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Maryland Residency and Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must fulfill these requirements to be eligible for day care support.
- Income Criteria or Public Assistance: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fall within the CCS income guidelines. These guidelines are designed to support low to moderate-income families seeking affordable day care options.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions. This ensures the health and safety of all children in day care settings.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing day care. It’s important to note that parents are not required to be US citizens to apply for day care scholarships for their children.
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is required 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.
- Photo ID for Head of Household: The head of household must provide a photo ID for verification purposes.
For a comprehensive overview of eligibility, you can consult the Eligibility Checklist. Further details can be found in the Scholarship FAQs and Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions. Brochures are also available for download in English and Spanish.
Applying for Your Day Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for a Child Care Scholarship, making day care more accessible, is conveniently online through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
Step 1: Account Registration: Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org and create a new account. Click “Register for a New Account” and input your information. If you need assistance, instructional guides are available.
Step 2: Fast Track Application and Document Submission: Complete the Fast Track online Scholarship application. You will need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program/school, demonstrating your need for day care due to work or education commitments.
- 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 quick access to day care assistance for eligible families.
Step 4: Temporary and Full Scholarship: If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary Scholarship will be issued to help with day care costs while your full application is processed. You will be asked to provide further documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Submitting the requested information within 15 days of your Fast Track application can expedite the process for long-term day care financial aid.
Start your application for day care assistance today!
Income Eligibility for Day Care Assistance in Maryland
The following income tables outline the maximum annual income for families to be eligible for a Child Care Scholarship, helping make day care affordable across different family sizes.
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 applies to families new to the scholarship program, those applying for the 60-Day Fast-Track Scholarship, and those undergoing their initial full evaluation for ongoing day care scholarship services beyond the fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale is for families already receiving child care services (at least 52 weeks to 24 months) with an active scholarship at the time of application for continued day care support. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
For information on using your scholarship, refer to How to use a Scholarship. To apply for a full 52-week Scholarship for ongoing day care assistance, you 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 pay stubs).
- Proof of identity for all household members.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training), justifying the need for day care.
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.).
For continued services and to report any changes, additional Scholarship Forms may be required.
Additional scholarship documents are accessible through the provided link.
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and payments to day care providers. Contact them for any queries regarding your day care scholarship application!
Day Care Scholarship Support and Open Office Hours
For direct assistance and answers to your questions about the day care scholarship program, Child Care Scholarship Customer Support offers Open Office Hours.
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 |
Attendance Audit: How to Avoid Repaying Funds – Understanding attendance policies is crucial to maintain your day care scholarship and avoid repayment obligations.
In conclusion, the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program is a valuable resource for families seeking affordable day care. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, parents can access the financial support needed to provide their children with quality early education and day care experiences.
