Child Care Scholarship

The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) helps eligible families in Maryland pay for high-quality child care and early education programs.

Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is quicker and easier than ever!

The new Fast-Track Child Care Scholarship process shortens your wait to three (3) business days to get help with child care expenses and 60 days of child care assistance while your Child Care Scholarship application is processed, if you are eligible!

If eligible, Scholarships are available for:

• a child who is younger than 13, or
• an individual 13-19 years old who has a qualifying disability. “Child with a disability” means a child who has been diagnosed as being physically or mentally incapable of self-care appropriate to the age of the child, as verified by the State, based on a determination by a physician, a licensed or certified psychologist, or a licensed social worker.

To be eligible to fast-track your Child Care Scholarship application, you must:

✔ be a Maryland resident
✔ be employed or enrolled in school or a training program
✔ meet the income requirements (Click here to view the income level chart)

If you meet the above criteria, learn how to apply below!

How to Apply

To apply for a Child Care Scholarship, you must submit an application through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal as described below.

Step 1: Go to the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create an account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and enter your information. (If you need help with the registration process, view the Learn How to Register instructions.)

Step 2: Fill out and complete the short, fast-track online Scholarship application and submit your two (2) documents:

• Proof of employment or enrollment in training/school
• Proof of residency (i.e. utility bill, lease, etc.)

Step 3: Your fast-track application will be processed within three (3) business days by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).

Step 4: If you are eligible, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be issued to assist with the cost of child care while we process your full application. We will ask for additional information and documentation to see if you are eligible for a 52-week Scholarship. If you provide the additional information and documentation within 15 days of submitting your fast-track application, we will let you know if you are eligible for a 52-week Scholarship before your temporary Scholarship expires.

How long does it take?

An application that is NOT submitted using the fast-track application process for Child Care Scholarship can take up to 35 days to process and complete. The fast-track applications gets you an answer in 3 business days!