Early Learning Scholarships

Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council

Early Learning Scholarships

Early Learning Scholarships give families financial support up to $8,500 to help pay for high-quality early care and education to prepare their young children for school. Scholarships may be used at any child care/early education program participating in the Parent Aware Quality Rating System.

Child Care Aware is accepting applications for Early Learning Scholarships

To be eligible for a scholarship, families must meet the following criteria:

live in Minnesota and
have a child who is age 3 or 4 by September 1 of the current school year and not yet eligible for kindergarten and
have an annual income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (see income chart included in the application instructions)

The nine counties of Region 8: Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood & Rock

The annual scholarship amount for families who choose programs with a 4-star rating is now up to $8,500 per child!!!

As of July 1, we can begin awarding children who will be 3 years old on September 1.
Early Learning Scholarships are available in every county! There are no more restrictions, based on where the family lives.
The Federal Income guidelines have increased.
Click below to view the new Early Learning Scholarship Application.

Click on the text below to view the Early Learning Scholarship

PATHWAY I EARLY LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

If you have questions about the Early Learning Scholarships, contact Karen DeBoer at (507)376-4195 or (800)658-2444 or email kdeboer@smoc.us

If you are a child care provider interested in participating in Parent Aware in order to be eligible to accept Early Learning Scholarships, please contact Karen DeBoer at (507)376-4195 or (800)658-2444 or email kdeboer@smoc.us

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