Grants and funding opportunities for child care programs and educators
There are several grant and funding opportunities available for early educators and child care programs this fall! Learn more about these critical supports and upcoming application deadlines.
Family Child Care Providers: Apply for a REETAIN Bonus this Fall
REETAIN Bonuses help supplement income for early childhood educators who demonstrate dedication to the field and their own professional development. They can be used for professional or personal expenses. Bonuses are competitive, awarded annually, and range from $500-$3,000. Learn more by watching a video featuring professionals who have received a REETAIN Bonus.
When: Family child care educators can apply during the fall application period (October – November) and center-based educators can apply in the spring.
Learn more on the Child Care Aware of Minnesota website.
Funding Your Pathway to Higher Education
TEACH Early Childhood® Minnesota is a scholarship program that helps early childhood and school-age educators increase their levels of education, compensation, and commitment to the field by earning college credits and degrees. Scholarships cover most of the tuition and book fees for students pursuing a degree in child development or early childhood education. Scholarships can also be used to help pay for college credits while working toward a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. Watch a video to learn more.
You can apply online at any time, but applications must be in by the following deadlines to have a specific semester covered by the scholarship:
Semester Application Deadlines | Quarter Application Deadlines |
Fall Semester: November 1 | Fall Quarter: November 1 |
Spring Semester: March 1 | Winter Quarter: February 1 |
Summer Semester: July 1 | Spring Quarter: May 1 |
Funding Wage and Benefit Increases for professionals working with children
The Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program supports the child care and early education workforce by increasing compensation and benefits for this vital workforce. This program issues monthly payments to eligible child care and early education programs to fund increases in compensation for educators. Monthly payments are currently $375 per full-time equivalent (FTE) through June 2027.
The application is open monthly to eligible providers. Each month, DCYF automatically sends eligible licensed family child care providers and providers licensed by a Tribal Nation an email with application information and a link to a personalized Great Start Compensation application. Licensed and certified child care centers can log into the Provider Hub and navigate to the Great Start Compensation section to find their Great Start Compensation application.
Learn more on the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website.