What are Preschool Scholarships

     As part of Early Childhood Iowa’s mission to ensure that children entering Kindergarten are school-ready, our area offers Preschool Scholarships to eligible families in Cerro Gordo, Hancock and Worth Counties. These scholarships are available to families with children ages 3-5.  

      Preschool Scholarships are monetary scholarships that provide financial assistance to families that qualify through a simple application process. Preschool assistance is available for up to $165 for 0% to 100% of poverty and $145 for 100% to 200% of poverty per month per child attending preschool. 

Families are responsible for any monthly preschool cost exceeding the $165/$145 per month.  Payment will be made directly to your preschool provider. You are responsible for any remaining amount due.  A licensed preschool provider must be used to be eligible for the scholarship.  The preschool provider must have a Level 3 rating or high on the Quality Rating System or working towards/achieved IQ4k Level 1.

    Please note that you must meet this criterion to be eligible for Preschool assistance:  

• Be a resident of Cerro Gordo, Hancock or Worth Counties
• Not be receiving preschool assistance from any other source
• Have income level below 200% of poverty (see chart below)
• use a licensed or registered preschool
• Be paying preschool cost separate from childcare (childcare including preschool is not eligible)