Think Small has been working with Minnesota lawmakers to introduce legislation that keeps Early Learning Scholarships funded at their current rate for the next two years. Funding is set to be cut in half this session which leaves 15,000 eligible Minnesota children without access to quality care and learning programs. We’re excited that House File 470/Senate File 1049 have been introduced to keep Early Learning Scholarships at the current rate.
Dollars invested in early learning for children produce returns for both children and society. Quality early learning experiences can improve development and education, adult wages, and long-term health outcomes. Society saves through reduced special education costs and sees increased tax revenue from higher earnings.
One innovative way Minnesota has invested in early learning is through Early Learning Scholarships. These scholarships help families pay for quality early care and education starting at birth and continuing through kindergarten entry. Think Small recently released its fact sheet on Early Learning Scholarships to detail how important this funding is for families.
- In 2024, 94% of scholarship recipients attended high-quality programs.
- Scholarships serve children throughout the state with 47% of recipients in Greater Minnesota and 53% in the seven-county metro.
- The waitlist for scholarships is long, with 4,600 families currently waiting.
- There are potentially 15,000 families who would qualify, but for whom there is no funding.
If the Minnesota legislature doesn’t approve more funding for Early Learning Scholarships this year, thousands of Minnesota children and their families will not receive the life-changing benefits of quality early care and education.
Want to learn more about Early Learning Scholarships? Check out Think Small’s new Early Learning Scholarships Fact Sheet!
Want to take action? Contact your representatives and urge them to prioritize Early Learning Scholarships funding by supporting H.F. 470/S.F 1049.
By Dr. Nicole Smerillo, Think Small Director of Data, Research, and Policy