Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship

An Early Learning Scholarship that helps families pay for high-quality child care and early education to prepare children for school. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the early childhood program chosen by the family.

Geographic Scope: Anoka County, Minnesota and statewide (scholarships can be used at any eligible program in Minnesota with Parent Aware Rating)

Age Range: Birth to 4 years old, with priority for children ages 3-5

Focus Areas:

• Increase access to high-quality early childhood programs
• Support children and families transitioning to school
• Serve children with highest needs

Eligibility Requirements

Primary Eligibility:

• Family income equal to or less than 185% of federal poverty level, OR
• Family participates in one of these programs:
  • Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
  • Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRLP)
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Food Support (SNAP)
  • Head Start
  • Foster Care

Priority Populations (children birth to 4 years):

• Child of a teen parent under age 21 pursuing high school diploma or GED
• Currently in foster care
• In need of child protective services
• Experienced homelessness in the last 24 months
• Have an incarcerated parent
• In or have a parent in substance use treatment program
• In or have a parent in mental health treatment program
• Experienced domestic violence
• Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP, age 3-5) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP, age birth to 3)

General Requirements:

• Must have Minnesota home address
• Parent, legal guardian, or agency worker of child(ren)
• Child must use scholarship at Parent Aware-rated program
• Scholarships awarded for up to 12 months and "follow the child"

Income Limits (FY2020 poverty guidelines at 185%)

• Family of 2: $32,227
• Family of 3: $40,626
• Family of 4: $49,025
• Family of 5: $57,424
• Family of 6: $65,823
• Family of 7: $74,222
• Family of 8: $82,621
• Family of 9+: $91,020 (add $8,399 for each additional member)

Contact Information

Address: 1201 - 89th Avenue N.E. Suite 3500, Blaine, MN 55434

Notes: Applications will be denied if required documentation is not received with the application. Completing an application does not guarantee a scholarship.

Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility: Verify your family meets income or program participation requirements
2. Locate Eligible Program: Find a Parent Aware-rated child care or early education program in your area at www.parentaware.org
3. Complete Application: Submit completed application with all required documentation
4. Submit Application: Apply via paper form or online at Early Learning Scholarships Hub
5. Receive Notification: Family will be notified of eligibility determination after processing

Required Materials

• Proof of family income or participation in eligible programs
• Proof of Minnesota residence
• Child information and documentation
• Parent/guardian identification

Application Format

Available in Multiple Languages:

• English: Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application
• Spanish: Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Spanish
• Somali: Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Somali
• Hmong: Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Hmong

Application Method:

• Paper application (mail or in-person)
• Online via Early Learning Scholarships Hub at EarlyLearningScholarshipsHub.mn.gov

Important Notes

• No application fee
• Applications are NOT saved; new application needed for new vacancies
• Do not provide original documents
• ACCAP does not make copies in their office
• No updates provided on applications; contact only if more information is needed or application has been reviewed