EARLY LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Early Learning Scholarships provide families with financial support to help pay for high-quality child care and early education to assist in preparing children for school. The Early Learning Scholarship amount is up to $15,000 for a twelve month period. The dollar amount the child is eligible to receive is dependent on the Parent Aware Star Rating and program type that the parent chooses.  The Early Learning Scholarships must be used at a Minnesota Childcare or Early Learning Program that is a Parent Aware rated program. To be eligible for an Early Learning Scholarship through Milestones, families must meet the following criteria:

  • Live in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County AND

 Family Size

185% of FPG 

        2

$36,482

        3

 $45,991

        4

$55,500

        5

$65,009
6 $74,518
  • Have a child who is 3 or 4 years old by September 1, of the current school year, and is not yet eligible for kindergarten OR 
  • A child who is birth to five years of age, not eligible for kindergarten, and meets one of the following such as a child in foster care and or in need of child protective services, has experienced homelessness in the last 24 months or has a parent under the age of 21 who is pursuing a high school or general education equivalency diploma (GED).
  • Have an annual income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and/or receiving a form of Public Assistance listed on the application.  
  • A younger sibling may be eligible for an Early Learning Scholarship if they are attending the same program, at the same time as their three or four-year old sibling that has a scholarship.  ("Sibling" is defined as a child who shares one or both parents through blood, marriage, or adoption, including siblings as defined by the child's tribal code or custom.) 

Helpful Hints for Completing the Application

-- Complete all required areas of the Early Learning Scholarship application.  Required areas are marked with an asterick(*).

-- Initial, sign, and date the application.

-- Include income documentation to confirm your income eligibility.  

-- Applications may be submitted online by clicking the link below, mailed or brought to Milestones' office.  We are unable to accept emailed or faxed applications.

-- After Milestones receives your Early Learning Scholarship Application you will be placed onto the waiting list until funding becomes available. If your family does not meet the guidelines or is missing documentation we will notify you as soon as possible.

-- Your family will recieve a written letter in the mail if and when your child has been awarded an Early Learning Scholarship. 

 

STEP 1:  DOWNLOAD EARLY LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

Click the link below to download the application PDF
NOTE: This application PDF form only works on Desktop and Laptop computers and will not be properly accessible on mobile devices.

STEP 2: Complete the application using Adobe Reader.  Download Adobe Reader here if needed.

STEP 3:  Submit Completed Application and Supporting Income Documentation Online by clicking here.

Or you may return the application and required documentation to:  Milestones, 314 10th Avenue South, Suite 180 Waite Park, MN 56387.

If you have questions, please contact Milestones at 320-251-5081 or 800-288-8549 and ask for an Early Learning Scholarship Specialist.