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Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is now faster and simpler than ever, paving the way for your child’s progress learning journey!
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS), previously known as Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible families in Maryland by providing access to high-quality child care and early education programs. These crucial programs are fundamental in fostering a child’s progress learning and development during their formative years. The CCS program is efficiently managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers an expedited process. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and gain access to 60 days of child care assistance while the full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed. This ensures that children can promptly benefit from enriching early learning environments, contributing to their continuous progress learning.
Scholarships are available for:
- Children younger than 13 years old, ensuring early progress learning opportunities from a young age.
- Individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability, supporting progress learning for children with diverse needs.
Eligibility for the CCS Program centers on ensuring that children who can benefit most from early education and care have access. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Maryland resident actively working, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. For households with two parents, both must fulfill these requirements, highlighting the importance of family stability in supporting a child’s progress learning.
- Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or meet the CCS income guidelines (detailed below). These guidelines are structured to support families who need assistance to facilitate their children’s access to progress learning opportunities.
- Be willing to ensure your child is immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption. This requirement underscores the commitment to a healthy learning environment for all children, essential for effective progress learning.
- Provide proof that each child requiring care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (A Birth Certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is required for each child.) It is important to note that parents are not required to be U.S. citizens. This ensures that all eligible children, regardless of parental citizenship, can access opportunities for progress learning.
- 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.) Establishing identity is a standard requirement for program integrity and ensuring benefits reach eligible children for their progress learning.
- Provide a Photo I.D. for the head of household. This is a standard verification measure for program administration.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
How to Apply and Start Your Child’s Progress Learning Journey
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is your first step towards ensuring your child benefits from quality early education and care, crucial for their progress learning. The application process is designed to be straightforward through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
Step 1: Access the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create your account. Begin by clicking “Register for a New Account” and entering your details. (For registration assistance, consult the Learn How to Register instructions.) This portal is your gateway to unlocking progress learning opportunities for your child.
Step 2: Complete the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application and submit two essential documents:
- Verification of employment or enrollment in a training program/school. This confirms your active engagement, enabling you to provide a stable environment conducive to your child’s progress learning.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement). This validates your eligibility as a Maryland resident to access state-supported progress learning resources.
Step 3: CCS Central 2 will process your fast track application within three business days. This rapid processing ensures quick access to support for your child’s progress learning.
Step 4: If deemed eligible, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be granted to assist with child care costs while your full application is reviewed. During this period, we will request additional documentation to assess eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Providing the requested information within 15 days of your fast track application submission allows us to determine your eligibility for extended support before the temporary Scholarship concludes. This continuous support aims to foster sustained progress learning for your child.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarship to Support Progress Learning
Families within specific income brackets may qualify for a Child Care Scholarship, making early education and progress learning 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 for a Fast-Track 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all required documents for an initial full evaluation for continued child care scholarship services beyond the 60-Day fast-track period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale to ensure access to progress learning support for children from families starting their journey with the CCS program.
**Continuation Income Scale – applies to 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. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale to ensure ongoing support for children’s progress learning for families already engaged with the CCS program.
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship, ensuring sustained support for your child’s progress learning, families must submit the following to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of fast-track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application – the comprehensive application to detail your needs and your child’s requirements for progress learning support.
- Verification of income – to assess eligibility based on income scales designed to facilitate access to progress learning opportunities.
- Comprehensive household member information, including you, your spouse, or your child’s other parent living in your household. This includes the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification, etc.) – standard identification to ensure program integrity.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training) – demonstrating your engagement in activities that support family stability and your child’s progress learning environment.
- Proof of all other income – for a complete financial assessment to determine scholarship eligibility.
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) – to confirm Maryland residency and eligibility for state resources supporting progress learning.
Upon CCS application approval, specific Scholarship Forms may be necessary for continued services and to report any changes, ensuring uninterrupted support for your child’s progress learning.
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and Provider Payments, ensuring the smooth operation of the program that supports progress learning for children across Maryland. Contact CCS 2 for any assistance!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support for Your Progress Learning Journey
Open Office Hours Calendar provides dedicated times for support and guidance.
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| April 25, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
Attendance Audit: Ensuring Proper Scholarship Usage for Continued Progress Learning Support (Understanding attendance audits helps maintain the integrity of the program and ensures continued support for your child’s progress learning.)
