Early Learning Scholarships assist families in accessing early childhood care and education

Cook County families that need help paying for daycare may be in luck if they meet several qualifications for aid.

The Northland Foundation is the new Early Learning Scholarship administrator for Region 3, administering the State of Minnesota funds starting July 2017 for families of young children living in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Scholarships are up to $7,500 per child, per year, and help families with the cost of high-quality childcare, Head Start, preschool, or school-based prekindergarten.

Eligible families with children ages 3 to 5 years old who are living in one of these seven counties may apply. They may choose any Parent Aware-participating early childhood program for their child. It may be a school district prekindergarten and preschool program, Head Start, childcare center, or licensed family childcare provider.

Children ages 0-5 whose parents are under age 21; or children 0-5 years experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or in need of child protective services are also eligible and receive priority for funds.

Households with a young child who live in these counties who want to learn more, see if they are eligible, or need help with the application should call the Northland Foundation at 1-800-433-4045.