Help Paying for Preschool in Maryland (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Maryland families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start
Free, federally funded preschool (Head Start for ages 3–5, Early Head Start under 3). It's for families at or below the federal poverty line — or who qualify on other factors. Income limits in Maryland (2026):
| Household size | Income at or below (100% FPL, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
You can also qualify regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Find a Head Start program in Maryland →
Public pre-K in Maryland
Maryland's public pre-K, Prekindergarten (Blueprint Pre-K Expansion), is income- or risk-based (age 3 or 4 by September 1; free for families at/below ~300% FPL under the Blueprint — moving toward but not yet fully universal). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Maryland program info →
Childcare subsidy in Maryland
Separate from preschool programs, Maryland's childcare subsidy — Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program — helps working families pay for care, for income up to at or below 75% of the state median income at application (~$115,000 for a family of 4). May remain eligible up to the federal 85% SMI ceiling after entry. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Maryland
See also: when your child can start school in Maryland · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.