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Pathway II Awardee Resources

Intro

Find information to help you implement the policies, processes and requirements for Early Learning Scholarships Pathway II funding.

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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
Data Practices for Early Learning Scholarship Administrators (PDF): Outlines public versus private data and the laws that apply to Early Learning Scholarships data

Implementation overview

Pathway II programs collect applications and eligibility from families attending their program. Programs are responsible for verifying eligibility of each awarded child, sending an award letter and submitting monthly payment requests. All scholarship documents must be maintained for seven years.

School districts, charter schools and Head Start programs

School district, charter school and Head Start programs enter child, parent and scholarship information directly into the Early Learning Scholarships Administration System (ELSA). The programs manage awards and request payments directly through the ELSA system.

ELSA is available to authorized staff of Pathway II-funded programs and school district State Student Identification Number (SSID) Maintainers. Learn more and view the Early Learning Scholarship Administration System (ELSA) User Manual on the ELSA system homepage.

Guides

Coding Revenue and Expenditures in UFARS (PDF): Helps school districts and charter schools properly code revenue and expenditures from Early Learning Scholarships
Local Enrollment Form and Pathway II Application (PDF): Supports programs in using an established registration process to verify eligibility and award a Pathway II Early Learning Scholarship
Implementation Checklist for School-based and Head Start Programs (PDF): Gives guidance reminders to help school-based and Head Start programs stay on track with awarding and managing Pathway II funds

Parent Aware

Maintaining a Parent Aware Four-Star Rating is a requirement to receive Pathway II funding. School districts and charter schools rated in the Accelerated Pathway to Rating must complete the re-rating process every two years prior to their expiration date. View the resources below to prepare to re-rate and submit your re-rating materials. Contact ParentAware.DCYF@state.mn.us with questions.

View the Parent Aware Accelerated Pathway Applications webpage to download application materials and learn more.
Parent Aware Ratings for Public School Districts Webinar: Provides an overview of the public school application and re-rating process for Parent Aware, Minnesota’s quality rating and improvement system.
Parent Aware Training Requirements and Guidance for Public Programs Webinar: Describes the Parent Aware training requirements and documentation needed when submitting your Parent Aware application.
Quick Guide: Parent Aware Rating Process for Districts/Charter Schools in the Accelerated Pathway (PDF): This two-page guide gives a high level summary of the Parent Aware Rating and Re-Rating process.

Note: These resources are for school district and charter school programs only. Child care programs can learn more on the Parent Aware website.

Individuals and Families

Partners and Providers

Get Involved

Pathway II Awardee Resources

Policy manuals and guidance

Implementation overview

School districts, charter schools and Head Start programs

Licensed child care centers and licensed family child care programs

Application forms and letters for families

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