Finding quality child care is a crucial step for working families and those pursuing education or job training. The cost of child care, however, can be a significant barrier for many. This is where child care scholarship programs come into play, offering vital assistance to eligible families. But what is a child care program scholarship, and how can it help you? This guide will explore child care scholarship programs, using the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program as a prime example, to help you understand how these programs work and if you might qualify.
Understanding Child Care Scholarship Programs
Child care scholarship programs, also sometimes referred to as child care subsidy programs, are designed to help eligible families afford quality child care and early education. These programs are typically funded by government agencies at the state or local level and aim to reduce the financial burden of child care, making it more accessible for families who need it. By providing financial assistance, these scholarships enable parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training, contributing to both family stability and economic growth.
In Maryland, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program exemplifies how these programs function. Formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy program, CCS is managed centrally through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2). It offers financial aid to families in Maryland who meet specific eligibility criteria, helping them access high-quality child care services.
.png)
Image: Logo representing the Child Care Scholarship Program, emphasizing accessibility and support for families seeking quality child care.
Who is Eligible for a Child Care Scholarship?
Eligibility for child care scholarship programs varies depending on the specific program and location. However, common requirements often include residency, income limits, and the need for child care due to work, education, or job training. Let’s look at the specific eligibility requirements for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program to understand typical criteria:
To be eligible for the CCS Program in Maryland, families must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Be a resident of Maryland.
- Activity Requirement: Parents must be working, employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must generally meet these activity requirements.
- Income Limits: 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 based on family size and are updated periodically. (See income chart below for specific amounts).
- Child’s Age and Disability Status: Scholarships are available for children younger than 13 years old, or individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability.
- Immunization: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documentation supporting an exemption from immunization.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Proof that each child needing care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien is required. Importantly, parents are not required to be citizens of the United States.
- Proof of Identity: Families must provide proof of identity for all household members.
- Photo ID: The head of household is required to provide a Photo ID.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs
How to Apply for a Child Care Scholarship in Maryland
The application process for child care scholarships is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Maryland’s CCS program utilizes an online portal to streamline the application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the Maryland CCS program:
Applying for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship involves these key steps:
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 information.
- Helpful registration instructions are available at Learn How to Register.
Step 2: Complete the Fast Track Application:
- Fill out the short, fast-track online Scholarship application within the portal.
- Submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in training/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease).
Step 3: Application Processing:
- CCS Central 2 processes fast-track applications within three (3) business days.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application:
- If eligible, a temporary 60-day scholarship is issued to help with immediate child care costs while your full application is processed.
- Additional information and documentation will be requested to determine eligibility for a 52-week scholarship. Providing these within 15 days of your fast-track application helps ensure a decision before the temporary scholarship expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Guidelines for the Child Care Scholarship Program
Income is a critical factor in determining eligibility for child care scholarship programs. The Maryland CCS program, like many others, uses income scales to assess eligibility. These scales vary based on family size. It’s important to note that Maryland uses two income scales: an “Initial Income Scale” for new applicants and a “Continuation Income Scale” for families already receiving assistance.
Maximum Annual Income Limits for Child Care Scholarship Program
| 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 new applicants and those seeking an initial full evaluation for services beyond the 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below this scale.
** Continuation Income Scale – Applies to families already receiving services and seeking continued assistance. Family income must be below this scale.
Documents Needed for a Full Scholarship Application
To transition from the fast-track scholarship to a full, 52-week scholarship in Maryland, families need to submit additional documentation within 15 days of fast-track approval. These documents help verify eligibility for longer-term assistance:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income (most recent four weeks of pay stubs, etc.)
- Proof of identity for all household members (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training)
- Proof of all other income sources
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Once the full CCS application is approved, ongoing scholarship forms may be required to maintain services and report any changes in circumstances.
Image: Button linking to translated scholarship forms and documents, indicating accessibility and support for diverse families.
Getting Support and More Information
Navigating the child care scholarship application process can be easier with the right support. CCS Central 2 in Maryland is the key point of contact for application processing and provider payments.
Contacting CCS Central 2:
For parent inquiries about the scholarship program, you can use this online form:
Image: Button for parents to submit questions about the scholarship program, providing direct access to support.
For child care providers with questions about the scholarship program:
Image: Button for providers to submit questions about the scholarship program, ensuring support for child care businesses.
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours:
Maryland CCS also offers open office hours for customer support. Check the calendar for dates and times:
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 |
Conclusion
Child care scholarship programs are invaluable resources for families seeking affordable, quality child care. By understanding what a child care program scholarship is and how to access it, eligible families can significantly reduce their child care expenses, enabling them to pursue work, education, and training opportunities. If you believe you may be eligible for a child care scholarship, particularly in Maryland, explore the resources and application process outlined above to take the first step towards accessing this crucial support.
