What is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship?

The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, also known as the Child Care Subsidy program, is a government-funded initiative designed to help low-income working families in Maryland afford quality child care. Administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the CCS program provides financial assistance to eligible families to cover a portion of their child care costs.

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This subsidy helps parents and guardians maintain employment or attend job training programs by ensuring their children receive safe and nurturing care.

How it helps working families in Maryland

The CCS program offers a variety of benefits to working families in Maryland:

• Affordability: By subsidizing a portion of child care costs, the program makes it more affordable for low-income families to access quality child care.
• Stability: It enables parents to maintain employment or pursue education and training, leading to increased financial stability.
• Child Development: Quality child care can positively impact a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The role of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

The MSDE is responsible for overseeing the CCS program. This includes:

• Eligibility Determination: Assessing the eligibility of families based on income, employment status, and other factors.
• Subsidy Allocation: Determining the amount of subsidy each eligible family will receive.
• Provider Payment: Disbursing funds directly to licensed child care providers.
• Quality Improvement: Promoting high-quality child care through initiatives such as the Maryland EXCELS program.

Eligibility for Maryland Child Care Assistance

To qualify for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship, families must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Income Guidelines

One of the primary factors determining eligibility is family income. Families must meet certain income thresholds to qualify for the program. The income guidelines are updated annually and are based on the federal poverty level.

How income is calculated and verified:

• Household Income: The total income of all household members, including wages, salaries, self-employment income, and government benefits, is considered.
• Family Size: The number of individuals in the household, including children, affects the income eligibility limits.
• Income Verification: Families may be required to provide documentation to verify their income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements.

Employment or Education

To be eligible for the CCS program, at least one parent or guardian in the household must be:

• Employed: Working at least 20 hours per week.
• Enrolled in Education or Training: Actively participating in a job training program, vocational training, or higher education.

Documentation needed to prove employment or enrollment:

• Employment: Pay stubs, a letter from the employer, or a self-employment tax return.
• Education or Training: Enrollment verification from the educational institution or training program.

Child’s Age and Special Needs

The CCS program is available for children from birth to age 13. Additionally, the program provides assistance for children with special needs, including developmental delays or disabilities.

Age restrictions for child care assistance:

• Infant and Toddler Care: For children from birth to 2 years old.
• Preschool Care: For children aged 3 to 5 years old.
• School-Age Care: For children aged 5 to 13 years old, including before- and after-school care and summer programs.

Eligibility for children with special needs:

Children with special needs who require specialized care may be eligible for additional assistance through the CCS program. Families should contact their local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) to learn more about specific eligibility requirements and available services.

How to Apply for the Maryland Child Care Voucher

The first step is to create an online account through the Maryland Family Investment portal. This portal is where you’ll submit your application and required documents.

Step-by-step guide to registering on the Family Portal:

1. Visit the Maryland Family Investment website.
2. Click on the “Apply for Benefits” button.
3. Create a new account by providing your personal information.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Required information and documentation:

• Personal Information: Names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth for all household members.
• Income Information: Pay stubs, tax returns, or other income verification documents.
• Employment or Education Information: Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program.
• Childcare Information: Information about the child care provider, including the provider’s name, address, and license number.

Completing the Application

Once you’ve created an account, you can begin completing the application. The application process involves providing detailed information about your family’s circumstances, including income, employment, and child care needs.

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Key sections of the application:

• Household Information: Details about all household members, including their relationship to the applicant.
• Income Information: Information about all sources of income, including wages, salaries, self-employment income, and government benefits.
• Employment or Education Information: Details about the employment or education status of the primary caregiver.
• Child Care Information: Information about the child care provider, including the provider’s name, address, and license number.
• Authorization for Release of Information: Authorization for the MSDE to obtain information from other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Human Services.

Tips for a successful application:

• Be Accurate and Honest: Provide accurate and truthful information on your application.
• Complete All Sections: Make sure to complete all sections of the application, even if certain sections don’t apply to you.
• Submit Required Documents: Upload all required documents to your online account.
• Review Your Application: Before submitting your application, review it carefully to ensure that all information is correct.

Submitting Required Documents

After completing the application, you’ll need to submit required documents to verify your eligibility. These documents may include:

• Proof of Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, or other income verification documents.
• Proof of Employment or Education: A letter from your employer or a copy of your enrollment verification.
• Proof of Child Care Costs: Invoices or receipts from your child care provider.
• Proof of Identity: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

How to upload documents securely:

• Use the Online Portal: Most documents can be uploaded directly to your online account.
• Faxing Documents: You may be able to fax documents to the MSDE.
• Mailing Documents: If necessary, you can mail documents to the MSDE.

Finding Quality Child Care Providers in Maryland

Finding a quality child care provider is crucial for the well-being of your child. Here are some tips to help you find the right provider in Maryland.

Using the Maryland EXCELS Program

The Maryland EXCELS program is a quality rating and improvement system for early care and education programs in Maryland. It helps families identify high-quality child care providers that meet rigorous standards.

What is the EXCELS program?

The EXCELS program rates child care providers on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest rating. Providers that participate in the program must meet specific quality standards, such as:

• Qualified Staff: Providers must have staff with appropriate education and training.
• Safe Environment: The child care setting must be safe and clean.
• Learning Opportunities: Providers must offer developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Positive Relationships: Staff must build positive relationships with children and families.

How to find providers participating in the program:

1. Use the Maryland EXCELS website: The website allows you to search for providers by county or zip code.
2. Contact your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R): CCR&Rs can provide information about EXCELS-rated providers in your area.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider

In addition to using the EXCELS program, consider the following factors when choosing a child care provider:

• Quality of Care: Look for a provider that offers high-quality care, including safe and nurturing environments, qualified staff, and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Location and Convenience: Choose a provider that is conveniently located and easy to access.
• Cost and Payment Options: Consider the cost of care and the payment options offered by the provider.
• Provider’s Philosophy: Look for a provider whose philosophy aligns with your own values and beliefs.
• Staff Qualifications: Ensure that the staff is qualified and experienced.
• Child-to-Staff Ratio: The child-to-staff ratio should be appropriate for the age group of your child.
• Licensing and Accreditation: Ensure that the provider is licensed and accredited.
• Parent Involvement: Look for a provider that encourages parent involvement.
• Health and Safety Practices: Ask about the provider’s health and safety policies.
• Emergency Preparedness: Inquire about the provider’s emergency preparedness plan.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a quality child care provider that meets the needs of your family.

Paying for Child Care with the Maryland Child Care Scholarship

Once you’ve been approved for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship, you can start using the funds to pay for your child’s care.

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Understanding Co-Payments

In most cases, families receiving the CCS program will be required to make a co-payment towards their child care costs. The co-payment is a portion of the total cost of care that the family is responsible for paying.

How co-payments are calculated:

The amount of the co-payment is based on the family’s income and the number of children in care. Generally, families with lower incomes will have lower co-payments.

Factors affecting co-payment amounts:

• Family Income: The higher the family’s income, the higher the co-payment.
• Number of Children: Families with multiple children in care may have higher co-payments.
• Type of Child Care: The type of child care (e.g., center-based, family child care) may also affect co-payment amounts.

Direct Payments to Providers

The CCS program typically disburses funds directly to the licensed child care provider. This means that families do not receive the funds directly. Instead, the provider bills the MSDE for the cost of care, and the MSDE reimburses the provider directly.

How the scholarship funds are disbursed:

The MSDE will work with the child care provider to set up a payment plan. The provider will then submit invoices to the MSDE for reimbursement.

The role of the child care provider

The child care provider is responsible for:

• Enrolling the child in the program: The provider will need to complete the necessary paperwork to enroll the child in the CCS program.
• Submitting Invoices: The provider will submit invoices to the MSDE for the cost of care.
• Collecting Co-Payments: The provider may collect co-payments from families, if applicable.
• Complying with Program Rules: The provider must comply with all rules and regulations of the CCS program.

By understanding how the CCS program works, families can effectively use the subsidy to pay for quality child care and ensure their children’s well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Child Care Benefits

What is the maximum income to qualify for the Child Care Scholarship?

The maximum income to qualify for the Child Care Scholarship varies depending on family size and other factors. It’s best to check with your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) for the most accurate information.

How long can I receive child care assistance?

The length of time you can receive child care assistance depends on your ongoing eligibility. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive assistance for an extended period.

What happens if I lose my job or change jobs?

If you lose your job or change jobs, you may need to reapply for the Child Care Scholarship. It’s important to notify your caseworker immediately about any changes in your employment or income.

Can I choose any child care provider?

You can choose a child care provider, but the provider must be licensed and participate in the Maryland EXCELS quality rating and improvement system.

How often do I need to recertify my eligibility?

You will typically need to recertify your eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship every six months. During the recertification process, you will need to provide updated information about your income, employment, and family circumstances.

What if I have questions about my application or benefits?

If you have questions about your application or benefits, you can contact your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) or the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). You can also find information on the Maryland Family Investment website.

Additional Resources for Maryland Families

For more information and assistance with child care in Maryland, you can contact the following resources:

• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): The MSDE oversees the Child Care Scholarship program and other early childhood initiatives.
• Local Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs): CCR&Rs provide information and support to families seeking child care. They can help you find quality child care providers, assist with the application process, and answer questions about child care assistance programs.
• Maryland EXCELS: This program provides information about the quality of child care providers in Maryland.
• 2-1-1 Maryland: This hotline can provide information and referrals for a variety of services, including child care.

By utilizing these resources, Maryland families can access the support and information they need to find quality, affordable child care.

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Always consult with a qualified professional or directly with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.  

If you have specific questions or need personalized assistance, it is recommended to contact the following:

• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):
  • Visit their official website for the latest information and resources.
  • Contact their child care assistance program directly for specific inquiries.
• Local Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs):
  • These agencies can provide tailored advice and support based on your local needs.

By reaching out to these organizations, you can get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and other relevant details.

Disclaimer:

While we’ve strived to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s crucial to verify details directly with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R). Government programs and policies are subject to change, so it’s essential to consult the official sources for the most current information.

Additional Tips for Maryland Families:

1. Early Application: Submit your application as early as possible to increase your chances of timely approval.
2. Document Organization: Keep all necessary documents organized and readily available.
3. Stay Informed: Stay updated on any changes to the program’s eligibility criteria, application procedures, or deadlines.
4. Communicate with Your Provider: Maintain open communication with your child care provider to ensure smooth coordination and address any concerns promptly.
5. Seek Assistance: If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your local CCR&R or the MSDE.

By following these tips and staying informed, you can maximize the benefits of the Maryland Child Care Scholarship and ensure your child’s well-being.