How to apply for Maryland Child Care Scholarship in 2025

It can be hard for families to pay for child care. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship helps families in Maryland pay for child care. This scholarship makes it easier for parents to work, go to school, or get training. It also helps children get ready for school.

Please know that as of May 1, 2025, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program has a temporary enrollment freeze for new families. This means that new applications will be put on a waitlist. However, families who already have a scholarship will keep getting help. Also, families getting Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are not affected by this freeze and can still get a scholarship if they qualify. Families can still apply at any time, and if they are eligible, they will be added to the frozen status list.

What is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship in 2025?

This program helps families pay for child care.

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship:
  
  • The Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program is run by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
  • It is managed by a group called Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).
• Origin or background of the scholarship:
  
  • This program helps low- and middle-income families afford child care.
  • It has been around for a while and has grown a lot. It helps more children now than ever before.
• Who the scholarship is meant for (ideal candidates):
  
  • It is for families living in Maryland.
  • Families must be working, going to school, or in a training program.
  • If both parents live together, both must meet these rules.
  • It helps children younger than 13.
  • It also helps children aged 13-19 who have a disability.
  • Families who get Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also get help.
• Total value of the scholarship:
  
  • The scholarship helps pay for a big part of the child care costs.
  • The amount given depends on where you live in Maryland and the age of your child.
  • The Governor’s 2025 budget has a lot of money for this program, about $568 million.
  • Nearly $500 million of that money will go directly to scholarships for families.
• Number of available slots/seats:
  
  • The program is helping over 45,000 children in 2025.
  • Because so many families are getting help, there is a temporary freeze on new scholarships starting May 1, 2025.
  • This means new families who apply will be put on a waitlist.
  • When children leave the program, new spots will open up for those on the waitlist.
  • Families who get TCA or SSI are not put on the waitlist.
• Start date of the program:
  
  • The program is always running.
  • However, the temporary freeze for new scholarships started on May 1, 2025.
• Application deadline:
  
  • There is no fixed application deadline to apply for the scholarship.
  • You can apply at any time.
  • But, if you apply after May 1, 2025, and you are a new family not receiving TCA or SSI, your application will be put on a “Frozen Status List” or waitlist.
• Whether it is currently active:
  
  • Yes, the program is active.
  • However, there is a temporary pause on giving new scholarships to new families (unless they receive TCA or SSI).
  • Families already getting help will continue to receive it.
• Month when applications usually open:
  
  • Applications are open all year round. You can apply whenever you need to.

Maryland Child Care Scholarship Coverage

This Scholarship helps families pay for child care costs.

• Whether it covers only tuition or also other costs:
  
  • The scholarship mainly covers the cost of child care tuition.
  • It helps families pay for high-quality child care and early education programs.
  • The amount the scholarship covers depends on your family’s income and how many children you have.
  • Families usually pay a small part of the cost, called a co-payment. This co-payment is capped at 7% of a family’s household income.
  • Families who get Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have a $0 co-payment.
  • Sometimes, child care centers might charge extra fees beyond the scholarship and co-payment.
• Living expenses:
  
  • The scholarship does not cover living expenses.
  • It is specifically for child care costs.
• Books and study materials:
  
  • No, the scholarship does not cover books or study materials for parents or children.
  • It is only for childcare.
• Travel expenses:
  
  • No, the scholarship does not cover travel expenses.
  • It is only for child care costs.
• Any other financial or non-financial support:
  
  • The main support is financial help for child care.
  • It allows parents to work, go to school, or get training, which can help their family’s finances in other ways.
  • It also helps children get good early learning, which helps them do better in school later on.

Maryland Child Care Scholarship Benefits

Theis Scholarship offers many good things for families and children.

• Financial support details:
  
  • It helps pay for a big part of your child care costs.
  • The amount you pay (your co-payment) is based on your income and is very low, capped at 7% of your family’s income.
  • Families with the lowest incomes (at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level) or who receive TCA or SSI will have a $0 co-payment.
  • The program pays child care providers directly, usually in advance each month.
• Platform-based advantages:
  
  • The online Family Portal makes it easy to apply and submit documents from your home.
  • You can track your application and manage your scholarship through the portal.
  • This online system helps make the process quicker and simpler.
• How it boosts the student’s profile:
  
  • This scholarship helps children get into good child care and early learning programs.
  • Being in a quality program from a young age helps children learn and grow.
  • It prepares them for kindergarten and helps them do better in school later on.
• Career or academic benefits after receiving the scholarship:
  
  • For Parents:
    • It allows parents to work, go to school, or get job training. This helps parents build their careers or finish their education.
    • Having reliable child care means parents can focus on their jobs or studies without worrying about their children.
    • This can lead to better jobs, higher pay, and a more stable family life.
  • For Children:
    • Children who go to good early learning programs are more likely to do well in high school and college.
    • They tend to have better health and earn more money as adults.
    • It helps them avoid problems like substance abuse later in life.
    • Studies show that investing in early childhood education pays off greatly for society as a whole.

Awarding Process of Maryland Child Care Scholarship 

Getting the scholarship involves a few steps and a timeline.

• Timeline of key events:
  
  • Apply Anytime: You can send in your application online whenever you need help.
  • Application Review: Your application will be checked to see if you meet all the rules. This can take up to 30 days.
  • Temporary Scholarship: If you are found eligible, you might get a temporary, 60-day scholarship quickly. This helps you pay for child care while your full application is looked at.
  • Full Scholarship: After your full application is reviewed, if you still qualify, you will get a 52-week scholarship.
  • Frozen Status List (Waitlist): If you apply after May 1, 2025, and are a new family not getting TCA or SSI, you will be put on a waitlist even if you are approved. You will get a scholarship when funds become available.
  • Renewal: If you already have a scholarship, you must send in your renewal forms on time to keep getting help.
• Common or official locations of events:
  
  • All application and document submissions are done online through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
  • You will get updates about your application through the portal or by mail/email.
• Who organizes or conducts the awarding ceremonies:
  
  • There are no awarding ceremonies for this scholarship.
  • The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and CCS Central 2 manage the process and inform families if they get the scholarship.
• Dates or months when the awarding usually takes place:
  
  • Scholarships are awarded continuously throughout the year as applications are approved and funds are available.
  • However, remember the freeze for new families that started on May 1, 2025. This means new awards for these families will be delayed until funding is available, and they will be taken from the waitlist.
  • Families with TCA and SSI are processed without being put on the frozen status list.

Maryland Child Care Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To get the Scholarship, families need to meet certain rules.

• Is it for U.S. citizens only or open to international candidates?
  
  • The child needing care must be a U.S. citizen or a “qualified alien.”
  • Parents do NOT have to be U.S. citizens.
• Which countries are eligible?
  
  • This scholarship is for residents of Maryland, USA.
  • For children who are not U.S. citizens, they need to have “qualified alien status” (like a permanent resident card) or proof of enrollment in Head Start.
• Minimum educational qualifications required:
  
  • There are no specific educational qualifications needed for the parents.
  • However, parents must be working in an approved training program or attending school.
  • This includes parents in graduate or professional programs (like medical school or law school).
• Necessary certifications (language, academic, etc.):
  
  • No special certifications are needed for parents.
  • Children need to be immunized to meet Maryland state rules or have a good reason for not being immunized.
• List of documents to attach:
  
  • You will need to upload these documents:
    • Proof of Identity: A current government ID for every adult in your home (like a driver’s license or passport).
    • Proof of Address: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
    • Proof of Income: Your most recent pay stubs showing four weeks of work for each working adult.
    • Proof of Other Income: Any other money received, like alimony, Social Security, or unemployment.
    • Proof of Activity: A letter from your employer showing work hours and start date, or a copy of your school/training schedule.
    • Proof of Relationship (if using an informal provider): Birth certificates or marriage licenses to show how the provider is related to the child.
    • Proof of Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status for children: U.S. birth certificate for each child, or documents showing “qualified alien” status.
    • Immunization Records: For non-school-aged children in informal care, their immunization records.
    • Proof of Other Benefits (if applicable): If you get SNAP, WIC, TCA, SSI, or Housing Assistance, you’ll need proof of these benefits.
    • Employer Verification of Migrant Worker Status (if applicable).
• Application method: online or offline:
  
  • You apply online through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
  • The website is Childcareportals.

Comparison with Other Scholarships

Let’s see how the Scholarship is different from other scholarships.

• Value comparison with similar scholarships:
  
  • The Maryland Child Care Scholarship is a very important program in Maryland.
  • It is one of the largest investments in child care in the state’s history.
  • It helps tens of thousands of children each year.
  • Some other scholarships, like those offered by universities (e.g., Johns Hopkins University), might be tied to specific jobs or schools. These might have different amounts based on specific criteria. The Maryland scholarship is for a wider range of families across the state.
• Differences in eligibility:
  
  • The Maryland Child Care Scholarship focuses on income-eligible families who are working, in school, or training. It also helps families receiving TCA or SSI.
  • Many other scholarships might have very specific eligibility rules. For example, some scholarships might be for college students only, or for people studying certain subjects.
  • The Maryland scholarship allows parents to be non-U.S. citizens, as long as the child needing care is a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. This can be different from other scholarships that might require parental citizenship.
• Frequency of awarding:
  
  • The Maryland Child Care Scholarship is awarded year-round, as applications are processed.
  • While there is a temporary freeze for new families (not receiving TCA/SSI) as of May 1, 2025, applications are still accepted, and families are added to a waitlist.
  • Many other scholarships have fixed application periods, like once a year, and specific award dates.
• Ease or reliability of the amount disbursal:
  
  • The Maryland Child Care Scholarship pays providers directly and usually in advance, which helps child care centers.
  • The co-payment for families is often very low or $0, which makes it easier for families to budget.
  • The program has grown a lot, showing it’s a reliable source of help for many families.
  • However, the current enrollment freeze for new families shows that funding can be a challenge when demand is very high. Families on the waitlist will need to wait for funds to become available.
• Unique features of this scholarship compared to others:
  
  • Broad Reach: It helps a large number of children and families across the entire state of Maryland.
  • Focus on Working/Studying Parents: It directly supports parents’ ability to work or further their education by providing child care.
  • Low Co-Payments: The very low or $0 co-payments make it highly affordable for low-income families.
  • Prepares Children for School: It directly links child care to early learning and school readiness, benefiting children’s long-term success.
  • Online Portal: The easy-to-use online portal for application and document management is a modern advantage.
  • Support for TCA/SSI Families: A unique aspect is the continued immediate support for families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance or Supplemental Security Income, even during the enrollment freeze.

Step-by-Step Application

Applying for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship is done online. Here are the steps:

• Link to the official scholarship application form:
  
  • You apply through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
  • The link is: Childcareportals
• Instructions to fill out the form:
  
  • Create an Account: Go to the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal (the link above). Click on “Register for a New Account” and enter your information to set up your account.
  • Start a New Application: Once you are logged in, you can click on “Start a New Scholarship Application” from your dashboard.
  • Fill in Your Information: Carefully fill out all the parts of the online form. This will ask for details about your family, your income, and your work/school/training activities.
  • Household Members: Make sure to include all adults and children in your household.
  • Child Care Needs: Provide information about the child (or children) who need child care, including their age and any disabilities.
  • Provider Information: If you already know which child care provider you want to use, you may need to provide their information. Remember, the provider must be part of the Maryland EXCELS program.
• How to upload documents:
  
  • Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the documents listed in the “Eligibility Criteria” section (proof of identity, address, income, work/school, child’s citizenship/immunization, etc.).
  • Scan or Take Pictures: You can scan your documents or take clear pictures of them with your phone.
  • Upload to the Portal: The online application will have sections where you can upload each required document.
  • Check Clarity: Make sure all the information in your uploaded documents is clear and easy to read. Blurry or unreadable documents can cause delays.
• Accepted formats for images/documents (PDF, JPG, etc.):
  
  • It is best to upload all documents in PDF format to make the process faster.
  • However, the portal also accepts other formats like:
    • JPG
    • JPEG
    • PNG
    • TIF
    • TIFF
• Application deadline:
  
  • There is no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time.
  • However, remember that starting May 1, 2025, there is a temporary “enrollment freeze” for new families who are not receiving TCA or SSI benefits. This means if you apply as a new family and don’t receive TCA or SSI, you will be placed on a “Frozen Status List” (waitlist) even if you qualify. Scholarships will be given out from this list when funds become available. Families receiving TCA or SSI are not affected by this freeze.
• Common mistakes applicants should avoid:
  
  • Not providing all documents: Make sure to upload all the documents asked for. Missing even one document can delay your application.
  • Unclear documents: Uploading blurry or hard-to-read pictures or scans. Always double-check that everything is clear.
  • Not showing 4 weeks of pay stubs: For proof of wages, you need four consecutive weeks of pay stubs.
  • Incorrect income information: Make sure the income you report matches your documents.
  • Not updating information: If your income, address, or family situation changes after you apply, tell CCS Central 2 right away.
  • Not checking the portal: Check your Family Portal account often for updates or requests for more information.
  • Waiting to apply if on TCA/SSI: If you receive TCA or SSI, apply right away, as you are not subject to the freeze.
  • Not getting help if needed: If you have questions or need help filling out the form, call CCS Central 2 at 1-877-227-0125 or use their online inquiry forms. They also have after-hours support available Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, and Saturdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm by calling 855-435-7410.

Important Points of Interest, Concerns, and Common Problems

Families in Maryland want to know how to get help paying for child care. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship helps many families. But sometimes, there are questions and problems. Let’s look at what people are asking and talking about most.

Points of Interest

People are very interested in how the Maryland Child Care Scholarship works. They want to know who can get it and what it covers.

• Who can get the scholarship?
  
  • Families want to know if they make too much money or too little.
  • They ask about income limits.
  • They also want to know if they must be working or going to school.
  • Parents ask if both parents need to work or go to school.
  • People are happy that parents do not have to be U.S. citizens. Only the child needs to be.
• What does the scholarship pay for?
  
  • People want to know if it pays for all of the child care.
  • They learn that it helps a lot, but families often pay a small part called a co-payment.
  • They are interested in how low the co-payment can be, sometimes even $0.
• How do I apply?
  
  • Many people are looking for the official website to apply.
  • They want to know if they can apply online, which they can.
  • They also look for lists of documents they need to upload.
  • They like that there is a “Fast-Track” process for some families to get help quickly.
• When can I apply?
  
  • People search to find out if there are certain times of the year to apply.
  • They learn that applications are open all the time.
• How long does it take to get approved?
  
  • Families need help quickly, so they want to know how fast they can get the scholarship.
  • They are interested in the “Fast-Track” plan that can give temporary help in a few days.

Points of Concern

Some things make families worried or confused about the Maryland Child Care Scholarship.

• The “Enrollment Freeze” or Waitlist:
  
  • This is the biggest concern right now for new families.
  • Starting May 1, 2025, new scholarships are paused for most new families.
  • People worry about whether they will ever get help if they are put on a waitlist.
  • They want to know how long the waitlist is.
  • They are trying to understand why this freeze is happening (because so many families are getting help now, and the program needs more money).
• Who is NOT on the waitlist?
  
  • Families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are still able to get a scholarship right away if they qualify.
  • People want to make sure they understand this rule clearly.
• What if I already have a scholarship?
  
  • Families already getting help worry if their scholarship will stop.
  • They are relieved to hear that current scholarships will keep going if they renew on time.
• Finding a child care provider that accepts the scholarship:
  
  • Not all child care centers take the scholarship.
  • Families worry about finding a good childcare place that also accepts the scholarship.
  • Providers must be part of the Maryland EXCELS program.
• Co-payments and extra fees:
  
  • While the scholarship helps a lot, some families are still concerned about the part they have to pay (the co-payment).
  • They also worry that some child care centers might charge extra fees on top of the scholarship and co-payment.

Common Problems

When people try to apply for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship, they sometimes run into problems.

• Missing or wrong documents:
  
  • This is a very common problem. People forget to send all the papers.
  • Sometimes the papers they send are not clear or easy to read.
  • They might send old pay stubs instead of the newest ones, or not enough weeks of pay stubs (need four weeks).
  • People sometimes forget to include proof of their address or identity for all adults in the home.
• Technical problems with the online portal:
  
  • Some people have trouble using the website to apply.
  • They might have trouble creating an account, logging in, or uploading their documents.
  • They sometimes get error messages.
• Not understanding the rules:
  
  • The rules about who can get the scholarship can be tricky.
  • People might not understand all the income rules or what counts as “work” or “school.”
  • The language can sometimes be hard for everyone to understand.
• Communication about the application status:
  
  • After applying, people want to know what is happening with their application.
  • They sometimes feel confused about how to check its status or if they need to do anything else.
  • They might miss messages from the scholarship program in their online portal or email.
• Delays in approval (especially with the freeze):
  
  • Before the freeze, people sometimes waited a few weeks.
  • Now, with the freeze, new families (not on TCA/SSI) face longer waits on the “Frozen Status List,” which is a big new problem.
  • They are anxious about when their turn will come.
• Not knowing who to ask for help:
  
  • When families have questions or problems, they sometimes don’t know who to call or where to get help.
  • It is important to know about CCS Central 2 (1-877-227-0125) and the Maryland Family Network.

Conclusion

The Maryland Child Care Scholarship is a great help for families. Even with the new “enrollment freeze” for some, it is still worth learning about and applying. Remember to gather all your papers and ask for help if you need it. By understanding the rules and steps, you can get closer to getting the child care help your family needs. Start your application today on the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and keep an eye out for updates on the program!

FAQs

What is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship?

It helps families in Maryland pay for child care. It makes child care more affordable for working parents.

Can I apply for the scholarship in 2025?

Yes, you can still apply. But starting May 1, 2025, new applications will be put on a waitlist.

Who can get the scholarship?

You must live in Maryland. You must be working, in school, or a training program. Your family’s income must also be within certain limits.

How old can my child be to get help?

Your child can be younger than 13 years old. If your child has a special need, they can be up to 19 years old.

What documents do I need to apply?

You will need proof of your address, your income, and that you are working or going to school. You will also need proof of identity for everyone in your home.

Where do I apply for the scholarship?

You apply online through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. You need to make an account first.

How long does it take to get the scholarship?

You can get a fast-track scholarship in about three days. This temporary help lasts for 60 days. The full scholarship might take longer.

What if my family’s income changes?

The scholarship has different income limits. There is one for new families and another for families already getting help. These limits depend on how many people are in your family.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

No, parents do not need to be U.S. citizens. But your child needs to be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.

What if I am on the waitlist for the scholarship?

Even if there is a waitlist, you should still apply. When money becomes available, families on the waitlist will get a scholarship. Families getting TCA or SSI are not put on the waitlist.