The process of securing financial aid for child care can often feel overwhelming. However, programs like the Care Scholar Program are designed to make high-quality child care and early education more accessible for eligible families. Applying for support through these initiatives is now streamlined, aiming to ease the burden on parents and guardians.
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What is the Care Scholar Program?
The Care Scholar Program, previously recognized as the Child Care Subsidy, is a vital initiative that helps families who qualify in Maryland manage the costs of child care and early learning opportunities. This program is administered through a centralized system known as Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2). Its primary goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing enriching and safe child care environments.
One of the program’s key features is the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application process. This expedited approach significantly reduces the waiting time for families to receive assistance. Eligible applicants can expect a decision within just three business days, potentially receiving 60 days of temporary child care assistance while their full application is being thoroughly reviewed. This rapid response is crucial for families facing immediate child care needs due to work, school, or training commitments.
Scholarships are generally available for children under the age of 13. The program also extends support to individuals aged 13 to 19 who have a documented qualifying disability, recognizing the ongoing care needs of older children with special requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the Care Scholar Program
To be considered eligible for the Care Scholar Program, families must meet specific criteria designed to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. These eligibility requirements are in place to manage resources effectively and support families striving for self-sufficiency. The core eligibility requirements include:
- Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Maryland. For households with two parents, both parents must independently satisfy all eligibility requirements.
- Activity Requirement: Parents or guardians must be engaged in qualifying activities. This includes being employed, participating in an approved job training program, or attending school. This requirement underscores the program’s aim to support working families and those pursuing educational or career advancement.
- Financial Need: Eligibility is also based on financial need. Applicants must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fall within the established Care Scholar Program income guidelines. These guidelines are structured to support low to moderate-income families.
- Immunization Compliance: To ensure the health and safety of all children in care, applicants must agree to have their child immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption from immunization.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof is required that each child needing care is either a United States citizen or a qualified alien. This typically involves providing a birth certificate or relevant immigration documentation for each child. It’s important to note that parents themselves are not required to be citizens of the United States to qualify for the program.
- Identity Verification: Applicants must provide proof of identity for all household members. For parents, this can be any government-issued identification. For children, a birth certificate or immigration documents used for citizenship verification can also serve as proof of identity.
- Photo Identification: The head of household is required to provide a photo ID for verification purposes.
For a comprehensive overview of eligibility requirements, you can consult the Eligibility Checklist. Further details and answers to common questions can be found in the Scholarship FAQs and Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions. A program overview is also available in the Brochure and its Spanish version.
How to Apply for the Care Scholar Program
Applying for the Care Scholar Program is designed to be user-friendly, primarily conducted through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the application process:
Step 1: Account Registration on the Family Portal
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and fill in your details. For detailed guidance on registration, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the Fast Track Application and Submit Initial Documents
Once registered and logged in, locate and complete the Fast Track Scholarship application. This is a shorter, expedited application designed for quicker processing. As part of this application, you will need to submit two essential documents:
- Proof of your current employment or enrollment in a training program or educational institution.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Step 3: Application Processing
Your Fast Track application will be processed by CCS Central 2 within three business days. This quick turnaround is a significant advantage for families needing immediate assistance.
Step 4: Temporary and Full Scholarship Consideration
If your Fast Track application is approved, you will be issued a temporary, 60-day scholarship. This temporary assistance is intended to help with child care costs while your comprehensive application for a full, 52-week scholarship is being processed. To determine eligibility for the 52-week scholarship, CCS Central 2 will request additional information and documentation. If you submit these required documents within 15 days of your Fast Track application, you will typically receive a decision on your eligibility for the 52-week scholarship before the 60-day temporary scholarship expires.
To start your application, create your account and apply now!
Income Guidelines for Eligibility
The Care Scholar Program uses income thresholds to determine eligibility, ensuring that assistance is directed to families with demonstrated financial need. These income guidelines are updated periodically and are differentiated based on family size and whether the application is for initial or continued scholarship services.
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: This scale applies to families who are new applicants without an existing child care scholarship, those applying for a Fast-Track 60-Day Scholarship, and families submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” for services beyond the initial 60-day period. To qualify under this scale, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale limits.
** Continuation Income Scale: This scale is for families who have already been receiving child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and are applying for continued services. These families must have an active scholarship that has not yet expired when they submit a new application. To qualify under this scale, family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale limits.
For guidance on using a scholarship once approved, refer to How to use a Scholarship.
To apply for a full 52-week scholarship, families must submit the following documentation to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of receiving approval for their Fast Track application:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income, typically the most recent four consecutive weeks of pay stubs.
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of participation in an approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other sources of income, if applicable.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
For ongoing scholarship services and to report any changes in circumstances, additional Scholarship Forms may be required. These forms and other documents, potentially available in multiple languages, can be accessed by clicking on the following image:
Contacting Care Scholar Program Support
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing applications and managing payments for the Care Scholar Program. For any questions or support needs, here’s how to get in touch:
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours
For direct assistance and real-time support, the Care Scholar Program offers Open Office Hours. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance. Below is the schedule for upcoming Open Office Hours:
| 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 |
For more details and a downloadable calendar, please see the Open Office Hours Calendar.
Understanding the Care Scholar Program and its application process is the first step towards accessing valuable child care assistance. By providing financial support, the program plays a crucial role in enabling families to access quality early childhood education and care, contributing to both children’s development and parents’ ability to work or pursue further education.
