Scholarships and Financial Aid Options for Child Care in Minneapolis
Learn about scholarships and financial aid options available for child care in Minneapolis

Finding high-quality child care is one of the most important decisions a family makes. For many families in Minneapolis, cost can be a major concern when searching for child care that offers a nurturing, safe, and educational environment. The good news is that financial assistance and scholarships are available to help families access the care their children need to thrive. At Hooyo Child Care Center, we are committed to helping families explore all available child care financial aid options so that cost is never a barrier to receiving high-quality care.
Why Child Care Financial Assistance Matters
Child care is a significant investment, but one that directly affects a child’s development, school readiness, and future success. According to the Center for American Progress, child care expenses can account for a large portion of a family's monthly income, especially for families with young children.
Financial aid programs exist to:
- Support working families
- Provide equal access to early childhood education
- Reduce financial strain
- Ensure that all children, regardless of income, receive quality care
At Hooyo, we proudly work with families from diverse backgrounds and income levels to ensure that children receive the care they deserve, regardless of financial situation.
Available Child Care Financial Aid Options in Minneapolis
Families in Minneapolis may qualify for several different types of financial assistance, depending on income level, employment status, and individual circumstances. Below are some of the most common programs available.
1. Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program is one of the largest sources of child care financial aid for families in Minneapolis. CCAP helps income-eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or participate in approved activities.
Benefits of CCAP include:
- Coverage of a large portion of child care costs
- Sliding fee scale based on income
- Eligibility for parents who are working, looking for work, or in school
At Hooyo Child Care Center, we accept CCAP and assist families with the application process to make enrollment as smooth as possible.
More information: mn.gov/dhs
2. Early Learning Scholarships
Minnesota’s Early Learning Scholarships help low-income families access high-quality early childhood education programs like Hooyo.
Key features include:
- Available for children ages birth to five
- Can be used at Parent Aware-rated programs (Hooyo meets these standards)
- Scholarships can cover full or partial tuition depending on need
These scholarships allow families to enroll their children in programs that offer strong developmental support and school readiness.
More information: education.mn.gov
3. Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
Head Start and Early Head Start provide free early childhood education and care to eligible families based on income.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive child development programs
- Health screenings and nutrition support
- Family support services
Although Hooyo Child Care Center is not a Head Start program, we collaborate with local organizations to connect families to these resources when appropriate.
More information: mnheadstart.org
4. Employer-Sponsored Child Care Benefits
Some Minneapolis employers offer child care subsidies, dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or direct partnerships with local centers like Hooyo.
Parents should check with their human resources department to see if these benefits are available through their employer.
5. Private Scholarships and Community Resources
Certain nonprofits, religious organizations, and community groups in Minneapolis also offer private scholarships and child care support grants. Hooyo’s staff can assist families in identifying local resources that may apply to their situation.
Examples include:
- United Way child care assistance
- Local church or community group support
City or county-specific early childhood programs
How Hooyo Child Care Supports Families Seeking Financial Aid
At Hooyo, we are committed to making high-quality care accessible to as many families as possible. We support families by:
- Accepting CCAP and Early Learning Scholarships
- Offering flexible scheduling to fit various budgets
- Providing full assistance with paperwork and application processes
- Maintaining open communication about payment options
- Helping families identify additional local resources
Our team works closely with each family to develop a plan that allows their child to benefit from our nurturing, multicultural, and educational environment.
Why High-Quality Child Care Is Worth the Investment
Investing in early childhood education at Hooyo provides your child with:
- A safe and nurturing home away from home
- Play-based learning that builds cognitive, social, and emotional skills
- Bilingual language exposure
- Culturally rich experiences that honor every family’s background
- Experienced caregivers who know and support each child personally
- A strong foundation for kindergarten and lifelong success
Financial support programs make it possible for many families to access these benefits without financial hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for child care financial assistance in Minneapolis?
Eligibility depends on family income, work or school status, and specific program guidelines. CCAP, Early Learning Scholarships, and Head Start have varying income thresholds.
Does Hooyo help with the application process?
Yes. Our staff assists families in completing applications, gathering required documentation, and navigating eligibility requirements.
Can financial aid cover full child care tuition?
Some programs may cover full costs, while others offer partial assistance based on family need and program guidelines.
How long does the financial aid approval process take?
Approval times vary by program. We recommend applying early to avoid delays in starting care.
Is there a waitlist for scholarships?
Some programs may have limited funds or waitlists. Hooyo helps families explore multiple options to find the best available assistance.
Let Hooyo Help You Access Affordable Child Care
If you are concerned about the cost of child care in Minneapolis, Hooyo Child Care Center is here to help. Our team is experienced in navigating financial aid programs and committed to making child care accessible for every family.
Contact us at 612-423-8956 or visit www.hooyochildcare.us to schedule a tour and speak with our enrollment team about financial assistance options.








