Maryland Pre-K Cost Calculator

Household Size

How do I determine household size?

Enter the total number of people living in your household, including yourself. The count should be between 1 and 20. Consider everyone who shares your current residence as part of your household.

Household Income

What income should I include?

Specify your household's total annual income before taxes. If there is no income to report, please enter 0. Include all sources of income, such as wages, salaries, Social Security benefits, and any other income received by household members.

Child's Age

How do I select the child's age?

Select 3 for children turning three, or 4 for those turning four, by September 1 of the upcoming school year. Your child's birthday must be on or before September 1 to enroll in the respective age group.

Children Experiencing Homelessness

Who qualifies as experiencing homelessness?

A child is considered experiencing homelessness if they live in shared housing due to housing loss or economic hardship; stay in hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds without adequate housing alternatives; use shelters or transitional programs; or sleep in cars, substandard housing, or areas not meant for sleeping. Based on 42 U.S.C. 11434a(2).

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Child Care Cost Distribution Results

Per Pupil Percent

The chart compares the family's share with the state and local share of the annual cost of care.

Per Pupil Cost of Care

The table itemizes the family share, state and local share, and weekly co-pay.

Tier Tier definitions Tier 1 applies to families at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or children experiencing homelessness. Tier 2 applies to qualifying four-year-olds above 300% and at or below 450%. Tier 3 applies above 450%.
Family Share of Cost of Care How this share is determined Tier 1 families have the cost covered by state and local funds. Tier 2 families pay the configured subsidized share. Tier 3 families cover the full program cost.
State and Local Share of Cost of Care How this share is determined This is the portion of the annual cost covered by state and local funds after the family share is applied.
Weekly Co-Pay How the weekly amount is calculated The weekly co-pay divides the calculated family share across the configured number of program weeks.

Federal Poverty Level

The graph below displays the Federal Poverty Level and corresponding income tier based on the household income and household size entered.

% FPL,

For additional instructions on how to use this tool or to learn more about Pre-K cost and sliding scale subsidies, contact earlychildhood.msde@maryland.gov .

Income & Household Composition

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Child Care Cost Distribution Results

Per Pupil Percent

Per Pupil Cost of Care

Federal Poverty Level