Bright Beginnings Preschool Scholarship FAQs 

• What is the Julie & Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Preschool Scholarship?

  The scholarship helps eligible Barberton families pay for quality preschool. It is designed to cover up to a full year of preschool tuition whenever possible.

  Who may apply?

  You may be eligible if:

  • Your child lives within the City of Barberton;

  • Your child is preschool-aged, generally ages 3 to 5;

  • Your child attends or plans to attend a preschool that participates in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality program; and

  • Your family demonstrates financial need.

• Do I need to be employed to apply?

  No. You do not need to be employed to apply.

  Children may benefit from preschool through early learning, social interaction, preparation for kindergarten, consistent routines, and relationships with caring adults.

  Preschool may also support a parent or caregiver who is working, attending college or job training, seeking employment, managing health needs, caring for a family member, or working toward greater family stability.

• Does my child need to be enrolled in preschool before I apply?

  Your child may already attend preschool or may be planning to attend. You will need to identify the preschool on your application and provide proof that your child is enrolled or has been accepted.

• What kind of preschool qualifies?

  Your child must attend or plan to attend a preschool that participates in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality program.

  Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s quality rating system for early learning programs. Participating preschools meet standards related to teacher preparation, classroom environments, and child development practices.

  To find out whether a preschool participates, ask the preschool administrator or search for the program at childcaresearch.ohio.gov. You may also call Barberton Community Foundation at 330-745-5995 for help.

• What does the scholarship pay for?

  The scholarship pays preschool tuition. The amount awarded will depend on your family’s financial situation and the cost of the preschool program.

  Scholarship funds are paid directly to the preschool and cannot be used for transportation, supplies, or other expenses.

• What will I need to complete the application?

  Please be prepared to provide:

  • Proof that your child lives in the City of Barberton;

  • Proof of preschool enrollment or acceptance;

  • The preschool’s name, address, phone number, tuition cost, and Step Up To Quality status;

  • Financial and benefit documents that apply to your family;

  • A reliable plan for how your child will travel to and from preschool;

  • A letter of support; and

  • A family statement.

• What financial documents will I need?

  To help us understand your financial situation, you’ll be asked to upload the documents below that apply to your family:

  • The first two pages of your most recent federal tax return, Form 1040;

  • The two most recent pay stubs for employed adults in the household who are responsible for your child’s care;

  • SNAP or other benefit eligibility documentation;

  • Title 20 documentation;

  • Parent Choice Voucher documentation; and

  • Documentation of an Ohio Preschool Program for Families grant.

  If you do not know whether your child receives support through the Ohio Preschool Program for Families, please ask your preschool administrator.

  Your financial information will be kept confidential and used only to determine scholarship eligibility and award amounts.

• Who may write my letter of support, and what should it include?

  The letter may come from a current employer, educator, case worker, nonprofit representative, faith or community leader, coach, mentor, or another person who knows your family through a professional, educational, service, faith, or community role.

  The writer should provide the letter in an official capacity. The letter must be dated and include the writer’s name, title or role, contact information, and relationship to you, your child, or your family. When applicable, it should be provided on the organization’s letterhead.

  The letter may describe:

  • Your commitment to your child, family, education, work, or community;

  • Your child’s interests, strengths, development, or readiness for preschool;

  • How preschool could benefit your child and family; and

  • Other information that may help the selection committee understand your family’s circumstances and goals.

  The writer does not need to include private financial, employment, medical, or personal information beyond what your family is comfortable sharing.

• What will I be asked to write in the family statement?

  In your own words, you will be asked to explain why the scholarship would make a difference for your child and family.

  The application will ask you to address:

  • What a high-quality preschool experience means to you;

  • What benefits you believe preschool could provide for your child;

  • What you would like the committee to know about your child;

  • Your hopes for your child’s education, development, and future;

  • How reliable access to preschool would affect your family’s daily life, responsibilities, and future plans; and

  • Any experiences, challenges, goals, or family circumstances you would like the committee to understand.

  There are no right or wrong answers. The committee wants to understand your hopes for your child and the difference preschool could make for your family.

• Will I be asked what matters most when choosing a preschool?

  Yes. You will be asked to rank the following from most important to least important:

  • Convenience, including location, hours, and schedule;

  • Safety;

  • Support for your child’s learning and development; and

  • Affordability.

  You must use each ranking number only once. You will also be asked to briefly explain why you selected your first choice.

• Why does the application ask about transportation?

  The scholarship does not pay for transportation. The application asks how your child will get to and from preschool so the committee can understand whether your family has a reliable plan for regular attendance.

  Transportation may include driving, walking, carpooling, busing, or another dependable arrangement. There is no single required type of transportation, but your child must have a consistent way to attend preschool.

• What are the important dates?

  Applications open: July 31
  Deadline to apply: August 30
  Awards announced: Mid-September
  Funds paid directly to preschools: Late September 

• How do I apply?

  Complete the online application at:

  barbertoncf.org/goapply

• What should I do if I need help?

  Barberton Community Foundation can help you understand a question, upload a document, identify a qualifying preschool, or complete the application.

  Call 330-745-5995 or visit:

  Barberton Community Foundation
  460 W. Paige Ave.
  Barberton, OH 44203