Child Care Arrangements, Costs, and Financial Benefits for Families Using Child Care Scholarships in Maryland

Reliable childcare can be an important factor in a family’s ability to work, train, or pursue education. This Child Trends brief examines the experiences of 107 Maryland families who received Child Care Scholarships in 2025. Before receiving a scholarship, 42 percent of families did not have a childcare provider; after receiving scholarships, the share of children using licensed centers or family childcare homes increased from 27 percent to 86 percent. Nearly half of parents reported having no out-of-pocket childcare expenses, and many said the scholarships helped ease other financial pressures, including housing, food, and utilities. The findings highlight how access to affordable childcare can help families participate in work, training, and education while easing other financial pressures. The resource offers Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners a useful perspective on the role childcare assistance can play in addressing barriers to employment and supporting families as they work toward greater economic stability.