How to Use the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) in Baltimore, MD

Childcare costs in Baltimore, MD can be a significant burden for working families. Fortunately, the State of Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program — formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy — to help income-eligible families afford licensed childcare.

What Is the CCS Program? The Maryland Child Care Scholarship helps eligible families pay part of the cost of approved child care while a parent or guardian works, attends school, or participates in approved training. The program is administered through Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Central system.

Who May Qualify? Current state guidance generally includes children younger than 13 and certain individuals ages 13–19 with a qualifying disability. Families must also satisfy Maryland residency, approved-activity, income or benefit, identity, and documentation requirements. Rules and income limits can change, so families should confirm current requirements through the official Maryland Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.

Important 2026 Waitlist Notice Maryland is currently operating the scholarship program under a partial enrollment freeze. Families may still apply and be reviewed, but many newly eligible applicants may be placed on a waitlist because funding is limited. Certain groups, including qualifying families receiving specified public benefits and qualifying families experiencing homelessness, may be exempt from the waitlist under current state rules.

How to Apply

1. Create an account through Maryland's official Child Care Scholarship Family Portal.
2. Submit the requested application and current documents, including proof of approved activity, residency, and income.
3. Respond promptly if the program requests additional household or eligibility documents.
4. After receiving an authorization, confirm that your selected provider can accept the scholarship for the requested schedule and start date.

Using CCS at Insight Kidz Care Insight Kidz Care may accept Maryland Child Care Scholarship authorizations for eligible families when the child's age, schedule, program availability, and authorization details are a fit. Scholarship eligibility or an application does not guarantee immediate funding, program availability, or enrollment. See our Child Care Scholarship provider page to learn more about using CCS at Insight Kidz Care.

For current program fit, call Insight Kidz Care LLC at (443) 264-3303. For eligibility and waitlist decisions, rely on Maryland's official CCS portal or CCS Central.