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Finding quality After Care Child Programs can be a game-changer for working families. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as Child Care Subsidy, in Maryland is designed to make these essential programs accessible. This scholarship helps eligible Maryland families afford high-quality care and after school enrichment for their children. Managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), the application process is now streamlined and more user-friendly than ever.
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a quick turnaround. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and gain access to 60 days of child care assistance while their full application is being processed. If you have a child younger than 13, or a child aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for a scholarship to help cover the costs of after care child programs.
Who is Eligible for After Care Child Program Assistance?
To qualify for the CCS Program and receive assistance for after care child programs, certain criteria must be met:
- Maryland Residency & Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must fulfill these requirements.
- Income Guidelines or Public Assistance: Eligibility extends to families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those who meet the CCS income guidelines detailed below.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing care. Acceptable documentation includes a Birth Certificate or relevant immigration documents. Importantly, parents are not required to be US citizens.
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is needed for all household members. Government-issued IDs are acceptable for parents, and children’s birth certificates or immigration documents can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo ID: The head of household must provide a Photo ID.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for Child Care Scholarship to Access After Care Programs
The Child Care Scholarship Family Portal simplifies the application process for accessing financial aid for after care child programs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Account Creation in the Family Portal. Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and register for a new account. Click “Register for a New Account” and input your details. For registration assistance, consult the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Fast Track Application Submission. Complete the concise online Fast Track Scholarship application and upload two essential documents:
- Proof of current employment or enrollment in a training program/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Step 3: Fast Track Application Processing. CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship & Full Application. If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary scholarship will be issued to help with after care program costs while your full application is evaluated. You will be required to submit further documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week scholarship. Providing the requested information within 15 days of your Fast Track application submission allows for a decision on your 52-week scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarship Programs
These income guidelines help determine eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship program, making after care child programs more affordable for families.
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” for a comprehensive initial evaluation for ongoing scholarship services beyond the 60-day period. Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – Applies to families who have previously received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of child care services and have an active scholarship that has not expired when applying for continued services. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
To secure a full, 52-week Scholarship for after care programs, families need to submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of Fast Track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of household income (most recent four weeks of pay stubs).
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID, etc.) for all household members.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.).
For ongoing scholarship services and to report any changes, additional Scholarship Forms might be necessary.
For assistance with applications and provider payments, CCS Central 2 is your point of contact.
Child Care Scholarship Support for After Care
| 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 |
Attendance Audit: Avoiding Repayment Issues for your After Care Program Scholarship
