Early Childhood Education - Child Care Scholarship Program - Eligibility

HB 555 modifies Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program eligibility rules. It requires children to reside in Maryland, be under 13 (or under 19 with a verified disability), and live in a household meeting income and need requirements. Crucially, the bill prohibits the State Department of Education from considering a parent, guardian, or child's immigration status when determining eligibility. The bill also establishes a temporary subsidy process allowing families to receive immediate assistance while completing full applications within 15 days.