Early Learning Scholarship Program

Early Learning Scholarships can help you pay for high-quality child care and early education to support your child’s educational journey.

Where can scholarships be used

Scholarships must be used in programs that are participating in Parent Aware. Parent Aware is Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood programs. Parent Aware Star Ratings, which are based on research, help families identify programs that prepare children for kindergarten.

Any program participating in Parent Aware is eligible to accept scholarships.

Qualifying and applying

To be eligible for an Early Learning Scholarship, the family must be income-eligible and the child must be age-eligible. For information on eligibility and applying, visit support.

Applying Online

Use this website to apply online. Applying online gives you the most control through the application process. You will be able to complete the application at your own pace as you gather documentation. After completing the application, you will be able to return to this site to view the application status. Visit getting started.

Paper Application

We encourage everyone to apply online, but if you prefer to submit a paper application, contact the Area Administrator for the county where you live. You will mail the paper application along with any needed supporting documentation, to your Area Administrator.

Additional Resources:

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