Child Care

There are several different child care resources we can connect our clients to including....

-Child Care Programs

-Child Care Subsidies

-Head Start Programs

If your client has one of the following needs, please determine the necessities of the client first. Determine the price range, location, hours needed, and age of children to find the best fit for your client. Talk to your client and decide if they can afford to pay for child care through centers or in-home daycares or whether they need to be referred to a Head Start or Child Care Subsidy Program. After determining eligibility, use Child Locate to find the best child care for your client. Additionally, note eligibility of both Head Start and Child Care Subsidies and apply ASAP as the wait list for both is very long. Make sure to note particular requirements for each resource and know when to close the resource as client "feels equipped".

Child Care Scholarship Program

Childcare Scholarship Program

The Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) provides financial assistance with childcare costs to eligible working families in Maryland.

Eligibility:

*for families where both parents live within the same household, both parents must meet all eligibility requirements

**for families where both parents do not live within the same household must be willing to pursue child support

Must be 6 weeks post-partum
Younger than 13 years old who is not disabled
- or an individual younger than 19 years old who is disabled
Maryland resident who is
- working/employed
- in an approved training program or
- attending school
within income guidelines (below)
- or recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
willing to have their child immunized
willing to provide proof that each child needing child care is a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien.
- Provide a Birth Certificate for each child or documentation that certifies the child's status.
- NOTE: Parents ARE NOT required to be citizens of the United States.
willing to provide proof of identity for all members within the household composition.
- Proof of identity for the parent can be any form of a government issued document.
- Proof of identity for each child in the household composition can be in the form of the birth certificate or immigration status documentation
willing to provide a Photo I.D. (only required of the head of the household)

(See chart below in supplemental information)

If your client is eligible:

Submit the application directly to the local Department of Social Services (DSS) along with the required documents listed below. :not listed as the procedure for CCS in the gov. website FTR
- Use this website to find the DSS location closest to your client. :not anymore FTR
- Or call 443-378-4600 : 410-767-0100 the previous tel. # is not listed on the gov. site FTR

Required Documents:

Most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs
Proof of identity (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification, etc.)
Proof of approved activity (i.e. work, school or job training)
Proof of all other income
Proof of address (i.e. utility bill, lease, etc.)
Proof of child support cooperation or payment (Please confirm with your client’s local DSS office if they are eligible for Child Support)

Visit the website here for more information or call the numbers below. *You will probably be on hold for a long time if you call. Email may or may not be more efficient.

English: 866-243-8796

Spanish: 866-243-8796 (press 2)

Email: ccscentral@conduent.com

If your client is undocumented:

It is much more difficult for undocumented clients to qualify for CCS Programs.

If the parent is already receiving Child Support or is making plans with Health Leads to pursue it, an undocumented client can attempt to enroll in CCS.
Submit the child’s Social Security Number and Proof of Income, Immunization, and Child Support along with the paper application to their local DSS
The client is strongly advised to personally go in to drop off the paperwork
If the client does submit an application for CCS, ensure that they receive communication from the DSS; if they are rejected for document purposes, discuss the case with your clinic’s social worker immediately and email your PM.

WAITLIST NOTICE: There is a waitlist currently for this voucher.

Supplemental Forms and Information (Child Care Scholarship Program)

Finding a Provider

COVID UPDATES

-- PDF list of OPEN PROGRAMS during COVID-19 as of 09/15 here

-- Maryland EXCELS program is unable to provide updates until further notice

-- Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center is closed for in-person service

- Remote contact: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm email and tel. number

LOCATE: Childcare: *refer to pdf of open child care programs FTR

1. Determine the kind of services your client is looking for (age of children, location, price, hours needed, special needs provided, etc).

2. Use LOCATE: Childcare to determine which daycare centers best fit the needs of your client. Use either resource below to generate a list of 2-3 programs that work for your client.

Website:

Use the Health Outreach Baltimore login to search here.

Username: rmcoyle.hob@gmail.com Password: HOB2017

Phone Number:

Call a LOCATE: Childcare referral counselor:

- English: 1-877-261-0060
- Spanish:1-800-999-0120
- Special Needs Line: 1-800-999-0120 or specialneeds@mdchildcare.org
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm

3. Work with your client to complete any associated applications and/or schedule intake appointments/visits.

4. Follow up and confirm that their child has been enrolled in a program.

Step by Step for the Client: https://familytreemd.org/bcccrc/choosing-quality-care/

Maryland EXCELS:

Maryland EXCELS promotes quality by awarding ratings to Child Care Centers, School-Age Child Care Programs, Family Child Care Homes and Public Prekindergarten programs. These ratings are available to families as a way to help them make informed choices in the care of their children. Use this link to gather a list of 2-3 childcare centers that suit your client's interests. If parents are looking to do some research on their own Maryland Excel is available on an app.

Choosing a Provider:

This website provides your client with a wide range of knowledge about childcare options or print the Child Regulatory Form below.

This website has further information on quality childcare that the parent can utilize themselves.

This website provides clients with key aspects that they should be looking for in the childcare facility of their interest.

Supplemental Forms and Information (Finding a Provider)

Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are federal programs run by the US Department of Health and Human Services that promote school readiness of children ages 0 to 3 (Early Head Start) and 3 to 5 (Head Start) by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Click here (new link) for more information about their services. They offer more than just child education that may meet your client's interest.

Steps:

Use the Head Start and Early Head Start Locator or call 866-763-6481 to find the Head Start or Early Head Start program closest to your client.
- gather a list of 2-3 options
Ask the program about the requirements for their application process
- the application process may also be located on the programs website
Have your client fill out the BCHS application (located at the bottom of the page)
Make sure your client is prepared with the required documents listed below

Required Documents:

proof of age (birth certificate, passport, immunization record, etc)
- social security is not required
proof of income (see Express Sheet)
- includes waged before deductions and income earned through TCA, SSI, Social security benefits, unemployment benefits, pensions, and scholarships and lottery earnings (bring documentation)
- children in foster care or kinship care or homeless are automatically eligible
- over-income families may also apply
proof of address
- must be Baltimore City resident
proof of special needs (if applicable)

See chart below in supplemental information. Note! Client should be at or below these income levels, but may apply if they are over them.

Click here (new link) to visit the online application for Baltimore City Head Start (also available in Spanish).

If your client is undocumented:

Head Start does not ask any questions about immigration status, according to Federal guidelines, so the procedure is identical for undocumented families.

If your client requires a translator:

Be sure to let the Head Start office know whether the family needs a translator for the intake interview, if necessary. Most offices do not have translators on-site, but Baltimore City offices have one Spanish speaker. Ensure that alternate accommodations are made if they are unable to schedule a translator for the time of your client’s intake interview.

Supplemental Forms and Information (Head Start & Early Head Start)

Preschools

COVID UPDATES

Free Preschool link is running - contact to verify if open and availability
Y Preschools running - contact program to verify it open and availability
All programs MUST follow COVID-19 guidelines: face masks and sanitary regulations for toddlers

Free Preschools:

Free Preschools is a great resource that provides a directory of free preschools in Baltimore, Maryland. Once you have found a good school for your client you must call the number listed and confirm with them their availability and the application process to that certain school. Next, your client will have to set up a time to meet with the director of the school in order to confirm the enrollment of their child/children.

Y Preschools:

Y Preschool is a trusted early childhood education program that combines a safe and happy educational environment with an intentional, proven curriculum designed to stimulate intellectual, emotional, and social growth - all with the focus of preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond. There are six Y preschool locations in central Maryland serving children ranging in age from 6 weeks to age 5. Ages vary by location.

Use this link to find a Y preschool closest to your client.

Enrollment:

-Must schedule a tour and meeting with the Preschool Director (use the link above to find contact information)

Financial Assistance:

1. Submit application and necessary documents to one of the following locations:

- Email: customerservice@ymaryland.org
- Mail: 303 W. Chesapeake Avenue Baltimore, MD 21204
- Fax: 410-779-9426
- In-Person: at any Y center
- In most cases, they accept Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Program vouchers.

2. Once submitted, your client will receive confirmation within 48 business hours that their application is being processed or additional information is needed.

3. Once the application is processed, your client will be notified of the outcome. If assistance is awarded, your client will need to officially accept the award by signing an acceptance letter.

-More information: https://ymaryland.org/financialassistance

Phone: 443-322-8000

Supplemental Forms and Information (Preschools)

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