To be eligible as an MCCYN-Plus provider you must submit the standard fee assistance application. If you are a provider interested in participating in the fee assistance program, please click here. Providers who have already applied and are participating in the fee assistance program, will not need to submit a new provider application.
Providers with a DoD-approved accreditation or a quality level rating of 3 or higher in Maryland Excels will always be the first choice for military children; however, providers with a quality rating below 3 may be eligible based on family eligibility.
What are the standards for becoming an approved MCCYN-PLUS provider in Maryland?
Community child care providers in Maryland currently receiving DoD fee assistance must meet the following requirements:
- Provide evidence of enrollment in the state’s quality improvement program within eighteen months of the notification date about the change in requirements.
- Provide evidence of a DoD-approved state quality rating, level, or tier as awarded by the quality improvement program.
- Advance to the next highest quality rating, level, or tier or until achievement of accreditation in accordance with state guidelines.
New applicants requesting to participate in the fee assistance program must meet the following requirements:
- Provide evidence of DoD-approved accreditation, if applicable or
- Provide evidence of a DoD-approved state quality rating, level, or tier as awarded by the quality improvement program.
- Advance to the next highest quality rating, level, or tier or until accreditation is achieved in accordance with state guidelines.
State QRIS Contact Information:
For more information about your state Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), please contact your state QRIS representative.
Program Name: Maryland EXCELS
Website: https://www.marylandexcels.org/
Email: Info@marylandexcels.org
Phone Number: Please visit MD EXCELS to find contact number for your specific needs: https://marylandexcels.org/resource/maryland-excels-contact-information/
Approved accreditations that are accepted for the military fee assistance programs:
Child Care Centers
National Accreditation Commission (NAC)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
Cognia (formerly AdvancED)
Council on Accreditation (COA)
Middle States Association (MSA)
Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE)
American Montessori Society (AMS)
Association for Montessori International/USA (AMI/USA*)*
Maryland State Dept. of Education (MSDE) Accreditation
Western Catholic Educational Association
International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation
Family Child Care
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition
Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) Transcript showing 24 or more credit hours in ECE or CD also accepted
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accreditation
