Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program

About This Program

Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly known as Purchase of Care) provides financial assistance to help income-eligible families pay for child care. Families choose from licensed child care providers participating in Maryland EXCELS, the state's quality rating system. Higher-rated providers receive higher subsidy payments. Families pay a co-payment based on income.

Subsidy covers portion of childcare costs based on income; family pays sliding-scale co-payment

Key Details

• State program administered under federal CCDF block grant
• Eligibility: At or below 85% State Median Income; parent must be working, in school, or in training
• Families choose their own licensed child care provider
• Subsidy paid directly to provider; family pays income-based co-payment
• Apply through your county/local social services office

How to Apply

Deadline: Rolling — year-round applications