Early Learning Scholarships

Early Learning Scholarships help families afford high-quality child care and early education programs. At this time, maximum scholarship award amounts vary based on the child’s age, program type, county where the program is located, and Parent Aware participation status. View the Early Learning scholarships Maximum Award Amounts and Early Learning Scholarships Maximum Registration Fees to learn more. The scholarship cap may be subject to change.

Application Information:

As of July 16, 2024, the Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship application can be completed online! To create an account, visit the Early Learning Scholarships Hub.

While we encourage everyone to use the online portal, it is not a requirement to create an account and paper applications are available through your local Area Administrator serving your county. Either way you choose to apply, you can always contact your local Area Administrator with questions or for more information about the program.

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) does not accept or distribute scholarship applications.

What you may need to apply:

While completing the application you may need the following:

• Proof of Income, W-2 form, a financial aid statement, a signed statement from the current employer on company letterhead, documentation of child support, documentation of social security income, the previous year’s income tax filing documents:

-OR-

• Proof of enrollment in one of the following programs: Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRLP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Head Start, Foster Care and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.