How would you like to help your own children have access to high-quality child care and be recognized for it at the same time? If so, the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program might be just what you’re looking for.
This program provides scholarships up to $2,500 toward tuition assistance or an undergraduate or graduate degree at participating schools across the United States in exchange for being a big brother or big sister to an elementary-aged child who does not have access to high-quality child care on campus through Best Beginnings Child Care Program campuses.
Important: For more accurate and up to date information, please visit the Early Childhood Services Bureau’s website here.
Overview of The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program
The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program is a great way to help families with the cost of child care. The program is available to families who are struggling to pay for child care and meet certain income requirements.
Families can receive up to $2,500 per year for each child they have in child care. The scholarship can be used for any type of child care, including daycare, babysitters, nannies, and even some after-school programs.
The Early Childhood Services Bureau awards Best Beginnings child care scholarships to low-income families whose child receives care from a licensed child care center, licensed group or family child care home, or Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care provider.
These families make monthly payment obligations based on a sliding fee scale.
There are scholarships available for low-income families that meet one of the following criteria: family income of 185% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or a family receiving cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
The program helps cover child care services when parents are not available to take care of their children.
Within the scope of working hours;
Working only while school or a training program is in session, as is required.
For teen parents who are still in high school; or
Parents who receive TANF and are participating in Family Investment Agreement activities.
Important Links
- Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Application
- Apply Online
- Need help applying? Contact your Child Care Resource and Referral Agency with questions.
Child care scholarships are available if the applicant is a working caretaker relative with children receiving TANF child-only grants.
Who is eligible?
A family’s income must not exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. The Child Care Sliding Fee Scale is used to calculate the co-payment. By June 1, 2021, co-payments per eligible family will be ten dollars ($10).
Parents must participate in eligible activities:
Two-parent families must work at least 120 hours per month.
Single-parent families must work at least 60 hours per month.
A family with only one parent in school or training full time does not have to meet a work requirement.
The work requirement for single-parent or two-parent families is based on the education/training of one or more parents.
Students’ parents must be enrolled in high school or an equivalent program.
Parent(s) who need child care assistance can attend school/work/training.
Check our guide on the best Village Scholarship
What are the program benefits?
The Best Beginnings scholarship program provides families with quality child care options and peace of mind.
Families who receive the scholarship can choose from a variety of accredited providers, including in-home care, center-based care, and online care. The program also covers the cost of transportation to and from the child care provider.
Plus, the scholarship can be used for full-time or part-time care, giving families flexibility. Lastly, the program provides peace of mind by knowing that your child is in good hands while you work or attend school.
How much can you receive in funding?
If you are eligible for the Best Beginnings scholarship, you could receive up to $2,500 per year in funding.
The amount of money you receive will depend on a number of factors, including your family’s income and the number of children you have in child care. If you have more than one child in child care, you may be eligible for additional funding.
To find out how much money you could receive, please contact your local Best Beginnings office.
Also Read :Watson Brown Scholarship : Guide and FAQ
How do I apply?
If you’re interested in applying for the Best Beginnings scholarship, there are a few things you should know.
First, the program is open to any family who meets the income guidelines set by the state of Alaska.
Second, you’ll need to complete an application and submit it to your local child care provider.
And third, you’ll need to provide proof of income and residency.
The Best Beginnings scholarship can help offset the cost of child care, making it more affordable for working families. If you think you might be eligible, be sure to apply today!
