The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will temporarily halt new enrollments in the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program starting May 1, citing funding limitations amid soaring demand. The freeze aims to stabilize the program, which has seen an 87% surge in participation since January 2023, with over 21,000 additional children enrolled.
The CCS Program provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland families for child care, supporting working parents and early childhood education. Current participants will face no disruptions in benefits, provided they meet eligibility criteria and complete timely recertification. Child care providers will continue receiving payments for enrolled children, ensuring operational continuity.
Applications received during the freeze will be processed, with approved families placed on a waitlist. Scholarships will be awarded as funding becomes available, though no timeline for resuming enrollments was specified.
The freeze does not impact families paying for child care privately, and providers can still accept new private-pay clients. MSDE plans to supply resources to help child care programs communicate the changes to families and will provide regular updates on the program’s status. Families seeking details can visit the Child Care Scholarship Program website or call 877-227-0125.
The unprecedented growth in CCS enrollment reflects broader trends in Maryland’s child care landscape. A 2024 report from the Maryland Child Care Resource Network noted increased need for affordable child care, driven by rising costs and workforce demands. The program’s funding, primarily from state and federal sources, has struggled to keep pace with this expansion, prompting MSDE to prioritize existing participants.
MSDE emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions, noting that the freeze is a temporary measure to ensure long-term sustainability.
The CCS Program, administered by MSDE’s Division of Early Childhood, serves families with incomes at or below 65% of the state median income, adjusted for family size. Eligibility also considers employment, education, or training status. In fiscal year 2024, the program supported over 35,000 children, a significant increase from prior years, according to MSDE data.
Maryland’s child care challenges mirror national trends. A 2025 Child Care Aware of America report highlighted that 40% of states face similar funding constraints, with waitlists or enrollment caps becoming common. MSDE is exploring options to secure additional funding, including potential legislative requests in the 2026 session.
For now, MSDE urges families to apply despite the freeze to secure a waitlist spot. The department will post updates on social media and its website, encouraging providers and families to stay informed. The freeze underscores the delicate balance between expanding access to child care and maintaining fiscal responsibility, a challenge Maryland aims to address through strategic planning.
