The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), helps eligible Maryland families pay for child care and early education. Families may qualify based on factors such as household income, employment, school status or approved trainings, as well as other eligibility requirements. Scholarships are generally available for children under age 13 and may extend through age 19 for individuals with a qualifying disability.
Not all child care programs participate in the Child Care Scholarship Program, so families should confirm that their chosen provider accepts CCS. Participating licensed child care programs must participate in Maryland EXCELS and accept a family’s scholarship enrollment. Families receiving a scholarship must also periodically complete a redetermination (renewal) to confirm that they continue to meet program eligibility requirements.