MPSA offers Childcare Scholarships to help defray the hourly cost of childcare for parents or guardians that are current members of MPSA, registered and attending the annual conference in person, staying at one of the Conference Hotels (Palmer House, Hilton Chicago or Hosteling International of Chicago). If you are a Chicago resident, you may request consideration, however you must meet all other guidelines to be awarded the scholarship. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. One parent/guardian per household should apply for consideration.
Childcare must be provided by a bonded and insured sitter service within Chicago, and not be the childcare costs a member is already paying on a day-to-day basis.
This service must be arranged by the parent or guardian. Most providers recommend making childcare reservations at least two weeks or more in advance, childcare may not be available, if you wait until later to make reservations. This will depend on the provider you choose.
The final childcare cost for an attendee would be approximately $7 an hour, after the MPSA reimbursement, with a cap of no more than $500 for reimbursement and only one family caregiver MPSA member may apply.
Invoice must include the Federal ID number of the provider, the date(s) and time(s) of service along with the hourly rate, the provider’s address and phone number. If the invoice does not provide this information, the individual must provide the email confirmation with the hours scheduled that matches with the billing for each day.
Scholarship recipients will be emailed instructions on how to submit an itemized paid receipt for reimbursement. Reimbursement is made following the conference, after MPSA is provided with an itemized copy of the receipt that the parent/guardian receives from the childcare service. The paid receipt must show that the hours of service are within the guideline hours. MPSA will not pay any fees incurred for the parent or guardian canceling the service. Prior to reimbursement MPSA reserves the right to request additional documentation, if needed.
The application deadline is April 14, 2026. It is highly recommended you reserve your childcare at least two weeks in advance of the date needed.
· I understand I must be a registered guest at the Palmer House, Chicago Hilton or Hosteling International (or living in Chicago) and childcare services must be provided by a provider who is a bonded and insured.
· In order to be considered, I understand I must be registered for the 2026 MPSA Conference, in person in Chicago, IL.
· I understand I am responsible for payment directly to the Childcare agency at the time of service.
· I understand if I apply by April 14, 2026, I will be contacted via email, if I am a recipient of this scholarship and will be provided the instructions on how to submit my itemized paid receipt for reimbursement.
· I understand if I am eligible to receive a conference scholarship, I must provide an itemized receipt to MPSA staff (vandeventer@mpsanet.org) by Friday, May 15, 2026, for reimbursement.
· I understand I am responsible for all cancellation fees.
· I understand the scholarship covers a portion of the childcare hourly rate, not including additional fees or meals.
· I understand the hours considered for reimbursement must fall during the following days and times and all dates/times will be included on the itemized receipt:Wednesday, April 22, 2026: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pmThursday, April 23, 2026: 9:00 am – 10:00 pmFriday, April 24, 2026: 7:30 am – 10:00 pmSaturday, April 25, 2026: 7:30 am – 10:00 pmSunday, April 26, 2026: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
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