Reporting Possible Child Care Scholarship Fraud

Maryland takes fraud very seriously. If you suspect that a parent or a child care provider is misusing child care scholarship/subsidy benefits, please contact the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Office of Early Childhood (OEC). MSDE wants to ensure that eligible families get the child care scholarship/subsidy benefits they need and are eligible for and that providers are paid fairly for the subsidized child care they provide.

Fraud can occur when program rules are abused and/or ignored.

Here are a few examples of possible fraud. If someone:

• Is using their Child Care Scholarship or subsidy funds inappropriately or fraudulently.
• Is asking for Child Care Scholarship, account number, or information that is not theirs.
• Wants to use the funds for things that are not related to the care of the authorized child(ren).
• Does not report income accurately.
• Falsely reports employment.
• Licensing visits a program and finds no children present, but the provider has invoiced for that day.

When you report possible fraud, MSDE will need specific information, such as names, phone numbers, and other details, to investigate the allegation. You may make your report anonymously.

Online: Child Care Scholarship Suspected Fraud Form

By mail: Office of Early Childhood/ CCS; 200 West Baltimore Street, 10th Floor; Baltimore, Maryland 21201

The rules for child care scholarship/subsidy can be complex. Learn more about Maryland Child Care Scholarships at money4childcare.com.