FINANCIAL AID
Child Care Tuition Assistance for our Positive Bright Start classrooms, and other community early childhood programs
Early Education Tuition Scholarship Program
Positive Bright Start supports high quality early education and recognizes that the cost of quality care is not affordable for many families. We provide an opportunity for families with low or moderate income to apply for a scholarship to offset some tuition costs.
First, call the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) at (785) 832-3700 to secure an application for Child Care Subsidy or access it online. (DCF application is recommended because they often can offer more funding than we can, but it is NOT required to apply for our early childhood education scholarship program.)
We have two scholarships open for application. The Positive Bright Start Early Education Tuition Scholarship and the Short Term Hospitality Industry Scholarship. Each has its own application, process, funding source, and eligibility requirements. Read more about each below.
The Douglas County Community Child Care Scholarship Challenge Fund supports access to quality, affordable childcare for low to moderate income families in Douglas County. A one-time funding commitment of $100,000 from Douglas County in FY 2026 aims to catalyze and incentivize new investments by local businesses, civic organizations, foundations and private donors toward a goal of ensuring that high-quality childcare slots are available to children under 6 years of age with parents in the labor force or desiring to be in the labor force. Thank you, Douglas County!
The Positive Bright Start Early Education Tuition Scholarship is a partnership with Douglas County and other Community donors. The Scholarship is accepted at our own Positive Bright Start classroom, and a number of other early childhood programs in our area (click for a pdf list) including Ballard Community Center, Children's Learning Center, Edna A Hill Child Development Center, Googols of Learning, Lawrence Community Nursery School, and Raintree Montessori School.
Applicant Eligibility
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Applicant must be a resident of Douglas County.
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Applicant's total household income must be 200% federal poverty level or under, verified by their 1040 tax return document and other required supporting financial documents. *Priority will be given to applicants with a combined gross annual household income of less than 160% federal poverty level.
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families awarded scholarships must enroll in or be enrolled in a participating early education program listed above.
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The scholarships are student-specific and are intended to be used toward the monthly tuition of a single student of the age birth until kindergarten eligible. Scholarships will not usually pay 100% of a child's monthly tuition. Families receiving scholarships are responsible for their remaining monthly tuition balance and other school fees.
Application Process
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Applications will be prioritized in order of income levels beginning May 7th 2026. But we will continue to accept applications year round .
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After processing, applicants will receive notification of their status.
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When funds are fully allocated, remaining qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list for potential future scholarship award.
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Incomplete applications will cause a delay in processing. Please complete each page in full and attach supporting documentation.
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Applications and supporting documents should be emailed to Sunday, or physically delivered to our agency office at 1900 Delaware.
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If you have any questions, contact Sunday Monson sunday@positivebrightstart.org.
Download a printable pdf copy here, or use the fillable pdf here. You may also stop by our office to pick up a paper copy.
With questions contact: Sunday Monson sunday@positivebrightstart.org or call (785) 842-9679.
Our *new* Short Term Hospitality Industry Scholarship is a partnership with the Lawrence Restaurant Association Endowment Fund of the Douglas County Community Foundation. This scholarship is also accepted at our Positive Bright Start Classroom as well as at our scholarship participating schools.
Applicant Eligibility
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Applicants must be actively employed in the hospitality industry in Douglas County KS, for at least 90 days. Hospitality Industry is defined as food and drink establishments, catering, and other venues serving beverages.
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Applicants must provide a valid paystub dated within the previous 30 days.
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Applicants must verify that receipt of the funds would help them remain employed within the hospitality industry.
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Applicants' total household income must be 150% or federal poverty level or under, verified by their 1040 tax return document.
Application Process
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Applications will be accepted starting December 5th, and awarded until the funds are exhausted.
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Distribution of funds is limited to a certain *amount* rather than on a scale, like our other scholarship.
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Applications will be prioritized in order of income levels.
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After processing, all applicants will receive written notification of their status
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When funds are all allocated, remaining qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list for potential future scholarship award.
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Incomplete applications will cause a delay in processing. Please complete each page in full and attach supporting documentation. If you have questions, contact Sunday Monson sunday@positivebrightstart.org.
Download and print your application here. Or stop by our office to pick up a paper copy.
With questions contact: Sunday Monson sunday@positivebrightstart.org or call (785) 842-9679.