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Early Learning Scholarship Programs - Think Small

10 Yorkton Court, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Eligibility

- Children ages birth - 4, and 5 years old are eligible if they turn 5 after September 1 of the current school year. (Children age out of eligibility if they are age 5 on September 1 or are enrolled in and attending Kindergarten, whichever is earlier.) - A resident of Hennepin or Ramsey County - Currently participating in one or more of the following public programs: - Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) - Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Head Start - Food distribution program on Indian Reservations - Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRLP) OR - The family has a household income equal to or less than 47 percent of the State Median Income

Required documents

- Application/registration form - Income documentation: Child support payments, one month of current paystubs, signed tax statements, SSI statements, W-2 form, or proof of participation in one of the following public assistance programs Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Head Start, Food distribution program on Indian Reservations, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRLP)

Hours

8:30 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday
https://www.thinksmall.org/parents/#early-learning
[email protected]

Languages

Spanish, Somali, Hmong

Application process

- Apply online at EarlyLearningScholarshipsHub.mn.gov - Call with questions or to request a paper application by mail - Visit the website https://www.thinksmall.org/parents/#early-learning to download or print an application - Return completed applications and required income documentation: Drop-off or Mail: Scholarship Department -Think Small 10 Yorkton Court St. Paul, MN 55117 or email to [email protected]

Fees

Vary by service

Service area

Hennepin County, MN
Ramsey County, MN

Other Information

Languages

Spanish
Somali
Hmong

Description

Gives families financial support to help pay for early child care and education to prepare their young children for school. Scholarships may be up to $7,500 for a 12-month period. The scholarship must be used at a Minnesota child care or early learning program that is Parent Aware rated. Scholarships are provided through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education with funds from Minnesota State Appropriation 124D.165.

Last Assured

10/23/2025

Providing organization

Think Small

A nonprofit that advances equitable early childhood care and education by working with caregivers, policymakers, and families to improve policies, train providers, and help parents find quality, nurturing care.