Maryland Childcare Subsidies & Assistance Programs (2026)
Maryland's Child Care Scholarship program has expanded eligibility significantly under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation. With Baltimore infant daycare averaging $17,000/year, the scholarship can provide substantial relief for qualifying families.
Available Programs
| Program | Ages | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Scholarship | 0–13 | Expanded under Blueprint; working families | Subsidized childcare at licensed providers |
| Maryland Pre-K (Public School) | 4 | Families at or below 300% FPL (priority: lower income) | Free full-day pre-K at public schools |
| Head Start / Early Head Start | 0–5 | Below 100% FPL | Free comprehensive early childhood program |
| TANF Child Care | 0–13 | TANF recipients | Childcare during work activities |
Child Care Scholarship Income Eligibility (2026)
Maryland's Child Care Scholarship covers working families with incomes approximately up to 85% of State Median Income, expanding under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future:
| Family Size | Approximate Entry Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | ~$42,000 |
| 3 | ~$52,000 |
| 4 | ~$63,000 |
Maryland is phasing in expanded income limits under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation through 2026–2028. Check your current eligibility at the Maryland EXCELS portal (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org).
How to Apply for the Child Care Scholarship
- Apply online: Visit earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org to apply through the Office of Child Care at the Maryland State Department of Education.
- Apply by phone: Call 1-877-261-0060 to speak with a Child Care Scholarship representative and get assistance with your application.
- Apply through DSS: Visit your local Department of Social Services office. DSS can help you apply for the Child Care Scholarship alongside other family support programs.
- Gather documents: You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), work or school verification, your child's birth certificate, and proof of Maryland residency.
- Choose a provider: The scholarship can be used at any Maryland-licensed childcare center or family childcare home that participates in the program.
Copay: Families pay a sliding-scale copay based on income and family size. Copays decrease as income falls further below the eligibility threshold, and some very low-income families may have no copay.
Maryland State Tax Benefits for Childcare
- Maryland Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Maryland offers a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to 32.5% of the federal credit for families earning under $50,000, phasing down at higher incomes. For a family spending $6,000 on childcare in the 20% federal credit range, this adds meaningful state savings on top of the federal benefit.
- Free Pre-K through Maryland Public Schools: Eligible 4-year-olds can attend free full-day pre-K through Maryland public schools, effectively saving families thousands in preschool costs each year.
- Federal Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA): Maryland families can contribute up to $5,000 pre-tax through a workplace DCFSA, reducing both federal and Maryland state taxable income.
- Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit: All Maryland families can claim the federal credit for up to $3,000 in qualifying expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.
See our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide for federal and state tax savings strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Maryland's Child Care Scholarship?
Maryland has been expanding eligibility under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. As of 2026, working families earning up to approximately 85% of State Median Income qualify — roughly $52,000 for a family of 3. Check current limits at earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org.
Is there free Pre-K in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland public schools offer free Pre-K for 4-year-olds from families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Many counties prioritize enrollment for lower-income families. Contact your local school district in late winter/early spring for fall enrollment.
How do I apply for childcare assistance in Maryland?
Apply online at earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org or call 1-877-261-0060. You can also visit your local Department of Social Services. Documents needed include proof of income, work or school verification, and child's birth certificate.
Calculate Maryland Childcare Costs
See childcare cost estimates for your Maryland zip code, including tax savings and subsidy estimates.
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