What is a childcare grant?
A childcare grant is gift money awarded to eligible students to assist with their childcare costs.

How do I apply for the childcare grant?
Childcare applications become available on the LSC financial aid website each July 1 for the following academic year. They are available at Childcare Home. Once completed, the application is returned to LSC's student services center for processing.

Who qualifies for the childcare grant?
Students must meet the Minnesota residency definition for financial aid programs, not have attended more than the equivalency of 4 years of post-secondary education, meet certain income guidelines and not be receiving MFIP benefits.

How many credits do I need to be taking in order to eligible?
Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 non-repeated credits in order to be eligible.

How much childcare funding can I receive?
The maximum childcare grant for the lowest income category is $1100 per term per eligible child. However, the student must be enrolled for 15 or more credits in order to receive the maximum amount. Amounts are pro-rated for students enrolled in less than 15 credits per term.

I am receiving MFIP. Why can't I qualify for this childcare program?
The state has a separate childcare program for students receiving MFIP. This particular childcare program is designed to assist those students who do not receive MFIP and therefore cannot apply for the special MFIP childcare funding.

I am not on MFIP, but receive some childcare funding from the county. However, it doesn't cover all of my childcare needs. Can I still apply for childcare assistance through LSC?
Yes, you can. However, along with your childcare application, you must submit a letter from the county outlining the total amount of childcare funding you are receiving from them.

Does my childcare provider need to be a licensed childcare provider?
No s/he does not need to be licensed. The provider must be at least 18 years of age and not care for more than one other family besides her/her own. Your childcare provider can not be a parent or stepparent of your child or a relative who lives in the home with you and your child.

What if my childcare needs change during the term?
Changes are reported to the financial aid director at LSC.