Chandler Unified School District's First Things First Lil' Explorers Scholarships provide opportunities for families to enroll their 1-5-year-old child in a high-quality early childhood program with free meals provided. Our learning environments nurture the emotional, social, and academic development of every child and prepares them for kindergarten.
Participating FTF Scholarship Sites (spaces at each site vary):
(click here to see the boundary map)
- Chandler High School
- Navarrete Elementary School
Eligibility Criteria:
- Children must be at least 6 weeks old and no older than 5 years old to attend Lil' Explorers
- Child must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S
- Families must meet the income guidelines below:
2025 Federal Poverty Levels (FPL)
Family Size: 2
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $63,450
Family Size: 3
Gross Annual Income: ____
300% of FPL: $79,950
Family Size: 4
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $96,450
Family Size: 5
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $112,950
Family Size: 6
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $129,450
Family Size: 7
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $145,950
Family Size: 8
Gross Annual Income: _____
300% of FPL: $162,450
TUITION RATES:
If a scholarship is awarded, tuition will be given at a discounted rate for families who meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for 2025-2026 Scholarships:
Please follow all these steps completely. You will not be considered for a scholarship if the online registration is not submitted correctly.
1. Complete the online Quality First Lil' Explorers Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 school year:
2. Complete the Google Form and upload your 25/26 Quality First Scholarship Application and supporting documents.
3. Register in Eleyo and complete the steps below to finalize your scholarship application:
- Go to https://cusd80.ce.eleyo.com and create an account or login to an existing account.
- After your account is created, choose "Lil' Explorers."
- Choose Season: "Choose School 25/26."
- Choose your first choice for a location.
- Confirm your child's information or click "add a new child," then click "Looks good, start registering."
- Follow the on-screen instructions and fill out each section entirely to move on to the next page.
- You will have to put in a Credit Card to Submit - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED! (however, this payment type will be used for the monthly co-pay if approved).
- Once you submit, you will receive an email letting you know that your application has been submitted and your "contract is now pending."
3. Scholarships are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
4. After you submit your application and supporting documents through the Google Form, we will begin reviewing applications. In order to be considered for approval, you must have a completed application, including all supporting documents. If any supporting documents are missing, you will be contacted in the order in which your application was received and given 48 hours to gather the remaining supporting documents to finalize your application. If you do not meet the deadline, your spot may be forfeited.
Required Supporting Documentation: (subject to change)
Additional Information:
- Applications will be accepted online only. Follow the above "How To Apply" instructions or Call (480) 812-7846 with questions.
- Have questions regarding information on the application? Contact via email: Valley of the Sun United Way - Regional Scholarships or by telephone: 1-866-973-0012
- Have questions regarding CUSD's participating Lil' Explorers programs or registration process?
Contact:
Pat Berry - Lil' Explorers Site Coordinator
(480)-812-7846
berry.patricia@cusd80.com
Additional Resources:
