​Anoka County Community Action Program

          

What is a Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship?

An Early Learning Scholarship can help you pay for high-quality child care and early education to help your child get ready for school. Pathway I Scholarship funds are paid to the early childhood program chosen by the family. A scholarship must be used at a Parent Aware-Rated program. Scholarship amounts are based on the Parent Aware rating level of the program you choose. For more information, visit the Parent Aware website www.parentaware.org.

Early Learning Scholarships increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for children ages birth to 4 years old with the highest needs to support children and families as they transition to school. Scholarships provide funding for children to attend a high-quality early learning program that are participating in Parent Aware, Minnesota’s quality rating and improvement system.  

Children are prioritized for a scholarship if the child is:  

• Child of a teen parent under the age of 21 pursuing a high school diploma or GED®.
• Currently in foster care; 
• In need of child protective services; 
• Experienced homelessness in the last 24 months. 

• Who have an incarcerated parent; 
• Who are in or have a parent in a substance use treatment program; 
• Who are in or have a parent in a mental health treatment program; 
• Who have experienced domestic violence; 
• Who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP, age 3 to 5) or Individualized Family Service Plan (ISFP, age birth to 3).

The Early Learning Scholarships increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for 3- and 4-year-old children with the highest needs to improve school readiness for all young children. Children birth to 2 years old are eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• • Child of a teen parent.
  • Currently in foster care.
  • In need of child protective services.
  • Experienced homelessness in the last 24 months.

Scholarships will be given based on family income, child poverty, one of the special populations as noted previously, and geographic region. Families must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.165. Maximum award amounts will be based on the child’s age, program type, county where the program is located, and Parent Aware participation status.

Where Can my Child Use a Pathway I Scholarship?

Pathway I Scholarships are awarded directly to families who meet eligibility requirements. Pathway I Scholarship funds are paid to the early childhood program that the family chooses. You may use your Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship at any eligible child care or early education program in Minnesota with a Parent Aware Rating. Pathway I Scholarships “follow the child” and are awarded to the family for up to 12 months.

Scholarship amounts are based on the Parent Aware rating level of the program you choose.

Check your area HERE.

NOTE: Applications will be denied if the required documentation is not received with the application. Completing an application does not guarantee a scholarship. Once your application is processed, you will receive notification of your eligibility. Thank you for applying.

Application

Pathway I Early Learning Application

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Spanish

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Somali

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Hmong