Early Learning Scholarships Policies and Data

Program overview

Early Learning Scholarships must be used at early care and education programs participating in Parent Aware, Minnesota’s quality rating and improvement system.  

There are two types of Early Learning Scholarships:  

• Pathway I: Families use a scholarship to help pay for any eligible early care and education program participating in Parent Aware. A scholarship can be used until a child becomes age eligible for kindergarten.  
• Pathway II: The state provides a specific amount of funding per year to some Parent Aware Four-Star Rated programs, who then award eligible children enrolled at their program. Families must use the scholarship at the awarding program. 

Policy manuals and guidance

• State Early Learning Scholarships Policy Manual (PDF): Documents policy, procedure and process for the state Early Learning Scholarships program
• Supplemental Guide for Priority Populations (PDF): Supports Early Learning Scholarships implementation for children in priority populations
• 2023 Program Updates (PDF): Summarizes changes passed in the 2023 Legislative Session for the Early Learning Scholarships program

If your program has been awarded Pathway II funding, please visit our Resources for Awardees webpage.

Data summaries and participation