Are you a parent in Baltimore, MD looking for low-cost or free child care options? The Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) is here to provide financial assistance to cover the costs of child care for eligible working families in Maryland. The family is responsible for paying the co-pay assigned by the State directly to their child care provider.To be eligible for the CCS program, families must provide proof that every child who needs child care is a U. S. citizen or qualified alien.
The family co-pay is the amount that the family pays for child care and is an amount allocated by the State. The co-pay amount for each child decreases if families receive scholarships for more than one child. Once the child begins caring for the child, the child care provider submits a payment bill and then the State reimburses the portion of the scholarship payment. The birth certificate or documentation on immigration status can serve as proof of identity for each of the children in the household. The cost of child care can be higher than housing, food, or even college tuition. Many child care centers charge families an additional amount; this is called an additional charge and is the difference between the amount they charge to any family, the amount of the reimbursement and the co-pay assigned by the state. To help you make an informed decision about child care, consider these steps:
- Research your options: Look into different types of child care centers and programs in your area.
- Check availability: Make sure there are openings at your chosen center or program.
- Understand costs: Calculate how much you will need to pay out-of-pocket after receiving a CCS scholarship.
- Look into quality: Research ratings and reviews of your chosen center or program.
To find out more information about low-cost or free options and programs in your area, contact your local CCS office.
