“As a working mom with no family in the state, it’s difficult to find someone... to take care of your child. When you’re notified [that you’re waitlisted] a week before school starts…it adds stress on a full-time employee and mother.” -Cristela's reality of #ELSwaitlist @judyseeberger.bsky.social
Leah in Rochester shares her experience on the #ELSwaitlist: “I have four children and a husband in residency so finances are tight…I would love to get my daughter into a preschool but we can’t afford it without a scholarship” @andysmithmn.bsky.social @lizboldonmn.bsky.social
#ELSwaitlist means parents sacrifice quality. “We had to choose a lower-quality, less structured option that doesn’t provide the same level of educational enrichment or care, but it was the only one within my budget…” Valerie, Brooklyn Park lindseyportmn.bsky.social
#ELSwaitlist "I didn’t have...care for my youngest. I had to rely on family, friends, and whatever options were available...there were days I missed work, turned down job opportunities, and sat in silence...wondering how I was going to hold everything together" in Minnetonka @pattyacomb.bsky.social
#ELSwaitlist “We are desperately waiting for the results of scholarships for the upcoming school year. We have twin boys…without the scholarship, there is no way we can afford pre-k for them. This will put them behind... in their learning.” Natalia, White Bear Lake @senatorgustafson.bsky.social
Single parents on the #ELSwaitlist seek relief: “My salary is $22.50 an hour, but I have to pay for the house, water, electricity, gas, and buy food, clothing, and everything else my son needs.” Jessica, Minneapolis @repkimhicks.bsky.social @nathancoulter.bsky.social
@nathancoulter.bsky.social Early Learning Scholarships help eligible Minnesota families pay for quality child care. However, there are over 7,000 children on the Scholarship waitlist. Families are waiting for relief. Follow ThinkSmall and #ELSwaitlist to hear their stories in their own words.
