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.

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.

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 if you’re Eligible 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 (2023)

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Spanish (2022)

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Somali (2022)

Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I Application_Hmong (2022)