~ Scholarship Information ~


Parents shouldn't have to choose between high quality and affordability when seeking care arrangements for their child. 


Christa's Kids is proud to participate with Parent Aware and be in the position to offer parents opportunities to apply for and receive scholarship assistance in paying for child care services.  


In December 2011, Minnesota was one of nine states awarded a federal Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge grant. This $45 million award for 2012-2015 is designed to improve early learning and development opportunities for Minnesota’s young children. 


The Early Learning Challenge grant addresses a critical need to provide more high-needs children from birth to five with access to high-quality early care and education programs.

The plan focuses on five main areas:


  • Increasing early childhood program quality and accountability
  • Building a skilled early childhood workforce
  • Increasing access to quality early childhood programs for children 
  • Measuring outcomes and progress
  • Aligning state infrastructure around these goals

Currently, there are two different scholarships available for parents choosing to enroll their child in one of the many area programs that participate with Parent Aware..  


If you have any questions about these scholarships or their guidelines for applying, please contact the Itasca County Early Learning Scholarship Administrator or visit the Parent Aware web-site.  


Contact information can also be found on our links page.