Table of Contents
Child care scholarships are government or organization-funded initiatives that provide financial assistance to eligible parents or guardians to cover the costs of childcare services.
These programs are designed to support families, especially those with low or moderate incomes, in accessing quality child care for their children while the parents work, attend school, or participate in job training programs.
If you’ve been dreaming of going back to school but finding it tough to manage child care expenses, why not give these fantastic child care scholarships a shot? They can be a real game-changer, helping you ease the financial burden and granting you some much-deserved peace of mind.
10 Child Care Scholarships for Families to Apply
1. MD Child Care Scholarship
This program helps working residents in the state afford child care costs. To be eligible, you must be employed in Maryland and receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Additionally, you need to ensure that your child is up-to-date with immunizations and provide proof of U.S. citizenship for each child needing child care. The program considers families with a maximum annual income ranging from $61,222 to $135,049.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the scholarship can cover child care expenses for a child under 13 years old or an individual between 13 and 19 years old with a qualifying disability. The program is also open to migrant workers and people experiencing homelessness, who are encouraged to apply for assistance.
For further details on Maryland’s Child Care Scholarships, click here.
2. SC Child Care Scholarships
South Carolina’s Child Care Scholarship program, known as COVID-300, is currently the main initiative in place. To be eligible for this program, you need to work at least 15 hours per week, attend school, or participate in a training program.
Additionally, you must have a child or children aged between birth and 12 years old and your gross income should be below 300% of the federal poverty level.
The scholarship is designed to assist families with children between the ages of 13 and 18, as well as those with disabilities, developmental delays, or who are in foster care.
For further details on South Carolina’s Child Care Scholarship program, click here.
3. CCSA Child Care Scholarship Program
Child Care Services Association (CCSA) offers a Child Care Scholarship Program to assist families in Durham or Orange Counties, as well as those affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The program includes different types of scholarships, such as:
- Smart Start Scholarships,
- General Scholarships,
- UNC Scholarships, and
- Partner Program Scholarships.
To be eligible for the scholarship program, families must meet certain criteria. This includes having 30 or more weekly hours of work, being a full-time student, or a combination of both. Additionally, the family’s income should fall within the range of $61,118 to $142,565.
For further details on CCSA Child Care Scholarship Program, click here.
4. JCCC Child Care Access Fund Scholarship
The Child Care Access Fund Scholarship offered by Johnson County Community College (JCCC) provides substantial support to students facing child care expenses. The scholarship covers a significant portion, ranging from 75% to 95%, of the child care costs.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet specific criteria. You need to commit to enrolling your child in full-day care while you attend JCCC and enroll in nine or more credit hours. Additionally, you are required to participate in a family orientation and a parent-teacher conference.
While there is no strict deadline to apply, it is recommended that interested students submit their applications before April 1 each year to be considered for the scholarship.
For further details on JCCC Child Care Access Fund Scholarship, click here.
5. United Way Child Care Scholarship
The United Way Child Care Scholarship is specifically designed to assist parents who are embarking on their educational journey for the first time.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be residents of Bexar County. They are also required to complete the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their financial need.
Additionally, candidates need to enroll in an academic institution or a workforce development program, committing to a minimum of six hours per semester while also working.
For further details on the United Way Child Care Scholarship, click here.
6. Child Care Scholarship NY
New York’s Child Care Scholarships, also known as the Essential Worker Scholarships, provide child care scholarships for essential workers who are residents of the state. The scholarships cover child care expenses for eligible recipients whose income falls below 300% of the federal poverty level.
However, it’s important to note that recipients will be responsible for paying any tuition amount that exceeds the market rate.
Overall, this initiative aims to support essential workers in accessing quality child care services, allowing them to continue their critical work while ensuring their children receive proper care and attention.
For further details on the Essential Worker Scholarships, click here.
7. Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program
The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program (BBCCS) in Montana provides scholarships to help pay for daycare, benefitting families with financial challenges.
Eligible participants include working families with incomes at or below challenges. The program also extends to families receiving cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and teen parents attending high school.
By offering this support, BBCCS aims to ensure that children have access to safe and nurturing childcare while their parents or guardians can work, attend school, or participate in job training.
For further details on BBCCS, click here.
8. TX Child Care Services
Texas’ Child Care Services (CCS) is a program offering scholarships to help pay for childcare, catering to children under 13 years old in specific circumstances. Eligible situations include when parents receive or are transitioning from public assistance, are in need of protective services, or come from low-income families.
The amount of coverage provided may vary, with some cases covering a portion, while others cover all of the child care costs.
For families interested in accessing this assistance, they should contact their local Workforce Solutions office for more information and guidance on the application process.
9. NH Child Care Scholarship
The New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship, also known as the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Scholarship, provides scholarships for child care to eligible families in the state. To qualify, parents must meet specific criteria, such as:
- Receiving FANF,
- Being in the FANF work program,
- Actively working or seeking employment, or
- Attending school.
The scholarship is available for children who are residents of New Hampshire and are either U.S. citizens or qualified non-U.S. citizens. Typically, children must be under the age of 13, unless they have a disability, in which case the age limit may be extended.
Once eligible, families can access the scholarship for a duration of 12 months.
For further details on CCDF, click here.
10. PAACT Scholarship
The PAACT Scholarship, which stands for “Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive,” is a program designed to support families in Atlanta with the cost of child care. Eligible families pay a maximum of 10% of their household income towards child care expenses, while the scholarship covers the rest of the cost.
TO qualify for the PAACT Scholarship, families must meet specific criteria, including living in Atlanta and having a household income at or below 85% of the state median income. Additionally, families should not be receiving CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) assistance.
This scholarship is specifically aimed at children aged 0 through 3-years-old, ensuring that infants and toddlers have access to quality child care, which plays a crucial role in their early development.
For further details on PAACT Scholarship, click here.
Final Thoughts
All in all, finding child care scholarships to support families in accessing nursery schools in the U.S. can be a game-changer for parents.
To explore these opportunities, start by receiving government-funded programs like state Child Care Scholarship initiatives. Next, check your eligibility based on income, residency, and employment or educational status.
Additionally, reach out to local organizations, non-profits, or community foundations that may offer child care assistance. Don’t forget to inquire with your employer about any workplace-sponsored child care benefits.
By taking these proactive steps, you can discover valuable resources that make quality child care more accessible.
