FREE / subsidized childcare in Maryland
Maryland at a glance
Maryland is home to about 1,030,670 foreign-born residents (16.6% of the state’s 6,206,011 people) and 774,946 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (12.5%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Maryland regardless of immigration status unless noted.
If you have young children in Maryland, multiple programs help with childcare costs — even if undocumented or use ITIN.
| Official childcare resources — Maryland | |
|---|---|
| State childcare search portal | findaprogram.marylandexcels.org — the official licensed-provider search (via childcare.gov) |
| Head Start locator | eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator — Head Start and Early Head Start centers near you |
| Head Start income limit (100% FPL, 2026) | Household of 3: $27,320 · household of 4: $33,000 · household of 5: $38,680 per year |
| Subsidy income limit (CCDF) | Household of 3: $6,302/month · household of 4: $7,503/month countable income to initially qualify (as of October 2023 — limits rise over time; confirm the current figure on the state portal) |
| State program name | Maryland's CCDF subsidy runs as Child Care Scholarship Program — use that name when calling or searching for the application |
| How applications are filed | Online · eligibility is redetermined every 24 months |
| Waiting list | Yes — Maryland uses a waiting list when funds run short; apply early and ask where you stand |
| Example copay | Single parent with a 2-year-old in full-time care: a $13/month copay at $20,000/year earnings · $13/month at $30,000/year (as of October 2023) |
| Phone help | Dial 2-1-1 (United Way, Spanish available) for childcare subsidies and open seats in Maryland |
Source: childcare.gov (ACF/HHS), the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the Urban Institute CCDF Policies Database (data as of October 1, 2023). Verified 2026-06-10.
Head Start (free, federal)
Head Start is a federal FREE program for kids 0-5 years from low-income families.
Who qualifies
- Families with income below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — $33,000 for a household of 4 (2026)
- Some extensions to 130% FPL
- TANF or homeless families automatically qualify
- Some seats reserved for foster care kids or those with disabilities
Types
- Early Head Start: 0-3 years
- Head Start: 3-5 years
- Pregnancy Support: for pregnant mothers
What kids receive
- Daily care (often full day)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks)
- Structured early education
- Health services (vaccines, dental, vision)
- Family support (social services)
How to apply in Maryland
- Find local program: Find Head Start near you
- Fill application at center
- Documents: income proof, child’s birth certificate, proof of Maryland residency
- No SSN required for parent or child
- No documented immigration status required
CCDF — Child Care and Development Fund (subsidy)
CCDF is a federal/state subsidy paying daycares for you based on income.
Who qualifies in Maryland
- Family income at or below the state’s initial limit — real dollar figures in the table below
- Parent must be working, in school, or job-seeking
- Typically requires some child documents and proof of work/educational activity
Maryland's CCDF program is called Child Care Scholarship Program. Maximum monthly countable income to initially qualify (as of October 1, 2023 — states adjust these upward over time; confirm the current figure before applying):
| Household size | Per month | Per year (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $5,102 | $61,224 |
| 3 people | $6,302 | $75,624 |
| 4 people | $7,503 | $90,036 |
| 5 people | $8,703 | $104,436 |
Source: Urban Institute CCDF Policies Database (Table 14, data as of October 1, 2023).
How it works
- Apply to Maryland’s CCDF
- If approved, receive vouchers or list of authorized providers
- Parent chooses daycare (must be licensed/registered)
- Parent pays “co-pay” (income-based fee) directly to daycare
- State pays difference to provider
Immigrant-friendly states
Some states extend subsidies to families regardless of parent status (based on child’s status, generally US citizen by birth). Verify with Maryland Department of Human Services.
State pre-K and other programs
Many states run free or low-cost public pre-K alongside the federal programs — availability is district-by-district. Search your school district’s site for “pre-K enrollment”, or dial 2-1-1. The childcare hub explains the program types.
For DACA families
Head Start eligibility follows the child’s situation, not the parent’s status, and CCDF rules vary by state — the childcare hub has the breakdown by program.
Informal and low-cost childcare options
Family child care homes, parent cooperatives, church programs, YMCA sliding-scale care, and Boys & Girls Clubs all cost less than center-based care — the childcare hub covers each option and how to vet it.
Public charge
Head Start and childcare subsidies are not considered under the public charge rule — see the public charge guide.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-15.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits