Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program – Enrollment Freeze Starts May 1, 2025
Starting May 1, 2025, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program will temporarily stop issuing scholarships to new families. This is called an enrollment freeze.
Why is this happening?
The program is helping more children than ever before—growing from about 21,000 children in January 2023 to over 45,000 in 2025. Because of this big increase, the program has reached its maximum budget capacity.
The freeze is necessary to ensure that families already receiving scholarships continue to be supported.
Understanding the Terms: "Program Freeze" and "Frozen Status List"
In Maryland regulations (COMAR 13A.14.06), the term “program freeze” refers to a pause in new enrollments when there are not enough funds to serve all eligible families.
As a result of the freeze, a Frozen Status List—also called a waitlist—will be created. This list includes families who meet all eligibility criteria and are approved but cannot be awarded a scholarship due to limited funding. When the freeze is lifted scholarships will be issued to families on the list.
Here Are 3 Things to Know:
1. If you're already getting help from the program, nothing changes.
You will keep getting your scholarship as long as you still qualify and turn in your renewal forms on time.
2. Payments will continue.
Providers will continue to receive payments for children who are already in the program.
3. Families can still apply.
You can apply at any time. Your application will be reviewed, and if you qualify, you’ll be added to the frozen status list.
Note: The freeze does not affect families who pay for child care themselves. Child care providers can still take new private-pay families.
Have more questions? Read the Frequently Asked Questions