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 Child Care or Early Learning Program that is participating in Parent Aware. 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 birth to five years of age, and not age eligible for kindergarten 
  • A child who is birth to five years of age, not eligible for kindergarten
  • Children ages birth to five are all eligible to apply, but may be given priority funding status if they meet one or more of the following:  A parent of the child is under the age of 21 and currently pursuing a high school diploma, the child is in foster care or in need of child protective services or The family has experienced homelessness in the previous 24-months.
  • 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.  

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.