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 in Maryland
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Maryland (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Maryland program →
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 (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to at or below 75% of the state median income at application (~$115,000 for a family of 4) — measured against your state's median income, a higher ceiling than the federal poverty line. 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.