Working Families Can
Afford Child Care!

Child Care Funding
410-853-3989

Childcare funding is a Purchase of Care (POC) program that assists eligible families living in Baltimore County with childcare costs while parents work, attend school, or training.

Questions and Answers

1. What is a co-pay and what happens if I don't pay it?

The co-pay is you part of the payment to your provider. You must pay the co-pay in order to continue to receive vouchers.

2. How do I find licensed care?

Call Child Locate at 410-288-5600 or visit the web site for the Maryland Committee for Children.

3. How do I file for Child Support?

Call Baltimore County Child Support Office at 1-800-332-6347.

4. How long does the application process take?

It can take up to 30 days. However, if you have sent in all your information with a signed, completed application, it can lessen the amount of time taken to complete your application.

Income Guidelines

You could be eligible if you meet the following income guidelines:

A disregard of $5,000 will be subtracted from the annual household income for minor teen parents and caretaker relatives.

Application Tips

Child Care Funding is:

• A Purchase of Care (POC) program that assists eligible families, living in Baltimore County, with child care costs while parents work, attend school or training.

The Application Process:

• Can be simplified by being mailed in or dropped off. There are no appointments to disrupt your work or school schedule.

Check List for Complete Application:

• An original, signed application.
• Social Security numbers for everyone on the application.
• An official school schedule stating your days and hours of class.
• Proof of all income.
• Four most recent weeks of pay stubs.
• If you have a new job, submit a letter from your employer on company letterhead with your start date, schedule (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), rate of pay and company telephone number.
• Proof of child support, SSA, SSI, or any other income you receive.

Parent Responsibilities

• Maintain a good working relationship with your child care provider by following their rules and communicating with them about your child.
• Read your voucher and know when it expires.
• Report all changes to your worker within 10 days. Examples: changes in employment, changes in provider, someone moves in or out of your household, changes in your income. Report all changes in writing.
• Avoid delays by returning your information before the deadlines.

Voucher Tips

• A voucher outlines partnership between you, your provider, and CCF, to fund your child care costs. You agree to pay a co-pay, and the voucher pays a subsidy based on your schedule and income.
• You and your provider sign all 3 copies of the voucher. Keep the copies indicated and return the third
  to the Finance Office. This sets up an "account" through which your provider is paid.
• Return the signed voucher in 60 days.
• Vouchers pay different rates for hours between 7 p.m. - 6 a.m. and all day on weekends.
• You must report all changes within 10 days. Report all changes in writing.
• Your provider cannot waive your co-pay.
• The co-pays and subsidies may vary depending on the age of the child and where the provider is located.
• School age children are usually given a voucher for 42 weeks of before and after school care and 10 weeks of summer care. School holidays and snow days are built in so your provider does not need a new voucher.

How to Reach Us

Towson - 410-853-3989
6401 York Road
Towson, MD 21212

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Revised August 14, 2006