Frequently Asked Questions

August 5, 2026
From: Uncategorized

What is the Children First Education Fund?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) is a Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the state’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) for the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS). CFEF administers scholarships that help eligible Utah students with disabilities access educational opportunities through approved private schools or homeschool programs. In addition to administering scholarships, CFEF partners with families, private schools, service providers, and donors to expand educational choice for children with disabilities throughout Utah.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship?

To be eligible for the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS), a student must meet all of the following requirements:

Be a Utah resident and live with a custodial parent or legal guardian who is also a Utah resident.
Be eligible to attend preschool or kindergarten through grade 12 in Utah’s public school system.
Be at least 3 years old before September 2 of the current school year and meet the program’s age requirements.
Have a qualifying disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The disability must be verified through one of the following:
- A current Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- An Assessment Team Member Record (ATMR)
- A qualifying Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Evaluation
Not be enrolled in a public or charter school when the scholarship is awarded. Students may apply while attending a public or charter school but must withdraw before scholarship funds can be awarded.
Be enrolled in, or intend to enroll in, an approved private school or homeschool program for the school year in which the scholarship will be used.
Not receive both the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship and either the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship or the Utah Fits All Scholarship during the same school year.

Eligibility is verified through the application process, and applicants must submit the required documentation, including proof of residency, age, disability, and other supporting information. Scholarship awards are also subject to available funding and program requirements.

What are the scholarship amounts for the 2026–2027 school year?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) Board of Directors has approved the following maximum annual scholarship amounts for the 2026–2027 school year:

Student Type	Annual Scholarship Amount
Private school students (Grades K–12)	$12,175
Full-time preschool students	$4,800
Part-time preschool students	$2,600
Homeschool students (Grades K–12)	$8,000

Scholarship awards are subject to current program policies and available funding. Families should also be aware that scholarship funds may only be used for approved educational expenses in accordance with CFEF policies and reimbursement guidelines. Award amounts are reviewed periodically and may change from one school year to the next.

Why are the scholarship amounts different for homeschool and private school students?

The scholarship amounts reflect the different ways students receive educational services in private school and homeschool settings.

For students attending an approved private school, scholarship funds primarily help cover tuition, required fees, and other educational expenses provided through the school. For homeschool students, scholarship funds may be used for a broader range of approved educational expenses, such as curriculum, educational materials, tutoring, therapies, approved service providers, microschools, and other eligible educational services in accordance with CFEF policies.

When establishing scholarship amounts, the CFEF Board of Directors considered several factors, including scholarship utilization, reimbursement trends, program compliance requirements, audit findings, administrative considerations, long-term program sustainability, and the goal of serving as many eligible students as possible while maintaining a high-quality scholarship program.

The Board reviews scholarship amounts periodically and may adjust them as program needs, funding, and applicable policies evolve.

Why was the $10,000 scholarship amount previously listed?

The $10,000 amount was shared as an early planning estimate based on the average scholarship awarded during the 2025–2026 school year. It was intended to help families begin planning for the upcoming school year but had not yet been formally approved as the scholarship amount for 2026–2027.

Before establishing the final scholarship amounts, the CFEF Board of Directors completed a comprehensive review that included scholarship utilization, program expenditures submitted through April 30, 2026, available funding, and other program considerations. Based on that review, the Board approved the final scholarship structure on May 18, 2026, and CFEF began communicating the approved amounts to families on May 22, 2026.

CFEF recognizes that some families had already begun making educational plans based on the preliminary estimate and appreciates their patience while the Board completed its review and approval process.

Why weren’t the final scholarship amounts announced earlier?

The CFEF Board of Directors wanted to make the most informed decision possible before approving scholarship amounts for the 2026–2027 school year. To do so, the Board continued reviewing information following the conclusion of the 2026 Utah Legislative Session and considered scholarship utilization and expenditure data submitted through the April 30, 2026 expense deadline.

This additional review helped the Board evaluate program participation, funding needs, and long-term sustainability before establishing the final scholarship amounts.

CFEF recognizes that many families begin making educational decisions well before the start of the school year and understands that earlier notice would have been helpful. We appreciate families’ patience as the Board completed its review and finalized the scholarship structure.

Who made the decision about the 2026–2027 scholarship amounts?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) Board of Directors approved the scholarship amounts for the 2026–2027 school year.

As the state’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) for the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship, CFEF is responsible for administering the program and establishing scholarship amounts in accordance with applicable Utah law and its agreement with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

While USBE provides program oversight and administers the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program, it did not establish the 2026–2027 scholarship amounts for the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship.

Does CFEF have the authority to establish different scholarship amounts?

Yes. Under Utah Code Section 53E-7-402(3), the state’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) is authorized to establish scholarship award amounts, subject to the maximum limits established by law.

The law sets a maximum scholarship amount, but it does not require every eligible student to receive the same award or the maximum amount. In determining scholarship amounts, the Children First Education Fund (CFEF) Board of Directors considers applicable legal requirements, available funding, program sustainability, scholarship utilization, and the organization’s responsibilities under its agreement with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

CFEF also strives to administer the program fairly and consistently while maximizing educational opportunities for eligible students with disabilities throughout Utah.

Does the new scholarship structure apply to families who have transitioned from the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program?

Yes. Families who have transitioned from the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program to the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) are subject to the same scholarship structure as all other CSOS participants. This includes former legacy participants, continuing CSOS students, and new applicants.

Students who remain in the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program, which continues to be administered by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), continue to receive benefits under the terms of that program.

Is there an appeals process for scholarship amounts?

No. At this time, there is no formal appeals process for scholarship amounts established by the CFEF Board of Directors. Scholarship amounts are determined through the Board’s annual review and approval process and apply consistently to eligible students within each scholarship category.

Families who have questions about their scholarship award or how the scholarship structure applies to their individual circumstances are encouraged to contact CFEF for assistance.

Can an exception be made for an individual student?

No. At this time, CFEF does not have a process for granting individual exceptions to the scholarship amounts approved by the CFEF Board of Directors. Scholarship amounts are established through the Board’s annual approval process and are applied consistently to all eligible students within each scholarship category.

If the Board adopts a different policy in the future, CFEF will communicate any changes to participating families.

What services and educational options remain eligible?

Subject to current CFEF program policies and reimbursement requirements, scholarship funds may be used for a variety of approved educational expenses, including:

Private school tuition and eligible fees
Educational therapies
Tutoring and instructional services
Approved educational service providers
Microschools and homeschool co-ops
Curriculum and educational materials
Other approved educational services and expenses

Parents continue to make educational decisions for their children and may choose the combination of approved educational options that best meets their student’s individual needs.

Because eligible expenses and reimbursement requirements may change, families should refer to the current Fund Use Guide for complete eligibility requirements and purchasing guidelines.

Can a student switch from homeschool to private school?

Yes. A student may transition between homeschool and an approved private school during the school year, provided the student meets all applicable program requirements.

Before enrolling, the student must first apply to and be accepted by an approved private school. Families should then notify Children First Education Fund (CFEF) as soon as possible by contacting [email protected] so the student’s scholarship record can be updated.

If a student changes educational placements during the school year, the scholarship amount will be adjusted and prorated based on the student’s educational placement and the effective date of the change, in accordance with current CFEF policies.

Families considering a mid-year placement change are encouraged to contact CFEF in advance to understand how the transition may affect their scholarship award, reimbursements, and remaining available funds.

Can a student switch from private school to homeschool?

Yes. A student may transition from an approved private school to homeschool during the school year, provided the student continues to meet all applicable program requirements.

Families should notify Children First Education Fund (CFEF) as soon as possible by contacting [email protected] so the student’s scholarship record can be updated.

Families considering a mid-year placement change are encouraged to contact CFEF before making the transition to understand how the change may affect their scholarship award, reimbursements, and remaining available funds.

What happens if a student’s private school is not approved by USBE?

To participate in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS), a private school must be approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

If a student’s preferred private school is not currently approved, the school must complete the USBE approval process before it can participate in the scholarship program. Families are encouraged to contact the school directly to determine whether it plans to seek approval.

A current list of approved private schools, along with information for schools interested in participating, is available in the Schools section of the CFEF website. Families with questions or who need assistance identifying participating schools are also welcome to contact CFEF.

How can microschools participate in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program?

Microschools may participate in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) in one of two ways:

As an approved private school. A microschool that meets the requirements and receives approval from the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) may participate as an approved private school and receive scholarship payments for eligible students.
As an approved CFEF educational service provider. A microschool or homeschool co-op that does not seek or qualify for private school approval may still be eligible to provide educational services to homeschooled scholarship students as an approved CFEF service provider.

For CSOS purposes, a student is considered full-time enrolled if they attend a microschool three or more days per week for at least five hours per day.

If a student is enrolled full-time in a microschool that has not been approved by USBE as a private school, scholarship funds may not be used to pay tuition to that microschool. However, an approved CFEF service provider may continue to offer eligible educational services to homeschooled students who are not enrolled full-time in the microschool.

Microschools interested in participating are encouraged to contact CFEF for guidance on the appropriate approval process and participation requirements.

Can online schools participate in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program?

Online schools may participate in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) in one of two ways:

As an approved private school. An online school that meets Utah’s private school requirements, including applicable in-person attendance requirements at a physical location in Utah, and receives approval from the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) may participate as an approved private school.
As an approved CFEF educational service provider. Online educational programs that are not approved as private schools may still be eligible to provide educational services to homeschooled scholarship students as approved CFEF service providers.

For CSOS purposes, a student is considered full-time enrolled if they receive instruction from an online school three or more days per week for at least five hours per day.

If a student is enrolled full-time in an online school that has not been approved by USBE as a private school, scholarship funds may not be used to pay tuition for that program.

However, approved online educational service providers may offer à la carte classes, individual courses, tutoring, or other part-time educational services to homeschooled scholarship students. Scholarship funds may be used for these approved services, provided the student is not enrolled full-time in the online school and all current CFEF program policies and reimbursement requirements are met.

Online schools interested in participating are encouraged to contact CFEF to determine whether they should apply as a USBE-approved private school or as an approved CFEF educational service provider.

How are hybrid education programs classified?

Educational programs that combine parent-directed home education with microschools, homeschool co-ops, online instruction, tutoring, or other part-time educational services are generally classified as homeschool programs under the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS).

A student qualifies for the private school scholarship amount only if they are enrolled in a private school that has been approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

For CSOS purposes, a student is considered full-time enrolled if they attend a school or educational program three or more days per week for at least five hours per day.

If a student is enrolled full-time in a microschool, online school, or other educational program that has not been approved by USBE as a private school, the student is not eligible for the private school scholarship amount, and scholarship funds may not be used to pay tuition for that full-time program.

However, homeschooled students may continue to use scholarship funds for approved part-time educational services, such as tutoring, therapies, individual classes, microschools, homeschool co-ops, or online educational providers that are approved by CFEF as educational service providers, provided all current program policies and reimbursement requirements are met.

Can private school students use scholarship funds for expenses other than tuition?

Yes. If a student’s approved tuition and eligible fees are less than the total scholarship award, any remaining scholarship funds may be used for other approved educational expenses in accordance with current CFEF program policies and reimbursement requirements.

Families may submit reimbursement requests for eligible purchases throughout the school year. However, if a student’s tuition and fees have not yet been fully paid, reimbursement for other approved expenses may be deferred until sufficient scholarship funds remain after tuition obligations have been satisfied.

All eligible purchases made during the program year may be submitted for review, provided they comply with current CFEF policies and are submitted by the applicable reimbursement deadlines.

What is the 20% physical education and extracurricular spending cap?

Recent Utah legislation limits spending on physical education and extracurricular activities to 20% of a student’s annual Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) award.

Expenses related to physical education, athletics, extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and other enrichment opportunities generally count toward this 20% limit. The purpose of the cap is to preserve the majority of scholarship funding for core educational needs, such as instruction, therapies, curriculum, tutoring, and other approved educational services.

However, core curriculum programs are not considered extracurricular simply because they involve subjects such as health, music, visual arts, fine arts, dance, theater, or other academic subjects approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). When these courses are part of a student’s educational program and meet applicable program requirements, they are generally treated as core educational instruction, rather than extracurricular activities.

Because the classification of specific expenses may vary, families are encouraged to consult the current Fund Use Guide or contact CFEF before making a purchase if they have questions about whether an expense counts toward the 20% limit.

Why did CFEF change its purchasing and reimbursement process?

As the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) program has grown, Children First Education Fund (CFEF) has updated its purchasing and reimbursement processes to better serve families while ensuring consistent administration, compliance with program requirements, and responsible stewardship of scholarship funds.

Recent improvements include:

Curated lists of pre-approved educational products
Guidance on approved vendors and educational service providers
Direct purchasing of eligible educational products
Direct payment to approved educational service providers
Reduced out-of-pocket costs for families
Clearer guidance for microschools, homeschool programs, and other educational providers
More consistent and predictable reimbursement decisions
Improved processing efficiency and communication

These enhancements are designed to make the program easier to use, more transparent, and more consistent while helping families access approved educational resources with greater confidence. CFEF will continue to evaluate and improve program processes as the scholarship program grows and the educational needs of Utah families evolve.

Where can families find current reimbursement guidance?

The most current reimbursement policies, eligible expense guidance, purchasing procedures, and important deadlines are available on the Children First Education Fund (CFEF) website.

Families should review the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Fund Use Guide before making purchases or submitting reimbursement requests to ensure expenses meet current program requirements.

The current Fund Use Guide is available here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VkicI3GKQayU2tVK3csys8byCTHhZ3IT/view?usp=sharing

If you have questions about whether an expense is eligible or how to submit a reimbursement request, please contact CFEF at [email protected] before making your purchase. This helps avoid delays and ensures scholarship funds are used in accordance with current program policies.

What is the general scholarship approval process?

The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) approval process generally follows these steps:

Application Approval – CFEF reviews the student’s application and verifies eligibility.
Scholarship Acceptance – The parent or legal guardian must formally accept the scholarship award for each individual student through the parent portal.
Private School Verification (Private School Students Only) – The approved private school verifies the student’s enrollment, tuition, and eligible fees.
Scholarship Award – Once all required steps have been completed, the scholarship is awarded.
Parental Acceptance of the scholarship – Scholarship funds cannot be awarded until the parent, or legal guardian has completed the acceptance process for each eligible student.
Program Participation – The student may begin using scholarship funds in accordance with current CFEF policies and reimbursement requirements.

Important: If you applied for more than one child, you must accept the scholarship separately for each student. Accepting one student’s award does not automatically accept awards for your other children.

Do parents have to formally accept a scholarship?

Yes. Utah law requires a parent or legal guardian to formally accept the scholarship before scholarship funds can be awarded.

After receiving an approval notification, the parent or legal guardian must log in to the CFEF Parent Portal and accept the scholarship within 30 days of the notification.

If you applied for more than one student, you must complete the acceptance process separately for each child. Accepting one student’s scholarship does not automatically accept scholarship offers for your other children.

If the scholarship is not accepted within the required 30-day period, the application may be closed, and the scholarship offer may be forfeited.

If you have questions about the acceptance process or experience technical difficulties, please contact CFEF as soon as possible for assistance.

What should a family do if it has not received an approval notification?

Approval notifications may be sent in multiple waves as applications are reviewed and processed. Applications submitted later in the application period, or those requiring additional documentation or review, may take longer to process.

If you have not yet received an approval notification, please:

Monitor the verified email address used on your application, including your spam or junk folder.
Log in to the CFEF Parent Portal to check your application status.
Respond promptly if CFEF requests additional documentation or information needed to complete your application review.

If your application has been pending for an extended period or you have questions about its status, please contact CFEF for assistance.

How does CFEF communicate important program information?

Email is CFEF’s primary method of communicating with families. Each applicant is required to provide a verified email address, and important program updates—including application status, scholarship notifications, reimbursement information, deadlines, and policy changes—are typically sent by email.

To ensure you receive important communications, families should:

Regularly check the verified email account used for their application.
Review spam or junk folders if an expected email is not received.
Log in to the CFEF Parent Portal for updates and notifications.
Keep their contact information current with CFEF.

CFEF continually evaluates and improves its communication systems and outreach processes to help ensure families receive timely and accurate program information.

While online parent groups and social media communities can be helpful for sharing experiences, they are not official CFEF communication channels. Families should rely on communications sent directly by CFEF or contact CFEF with any questions about the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship program.

Where should families go for the most current program information?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) website is the official and authoritative source for the most current information about the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS).

Families should visit the website for current information on:

Scholarship policies and program requirements
Scholarship award amounts
Eligibility and participation requirements
Approved private schools and educational service providers
Purchasing and reimbursement guidance
Application, acceptance, and reimbursement deadlines
Program announcements, updates, and important notices
Parent resources, forms, and frequently asked questions

Because program policies and guidance may change from year to year, families should rely on the information published on the CFEF website and communications sent directly by CFEF. If questions remain, families are encouraged to contact CFEF for assistance.

Can my scholarship amount change after it has been awarded?

Yes. In certain circumstances, a student’s scholarship amount may be adjusted after it has been awarded if there is a change in the student’s eligibility or educational placement.

Examples include:

The student changes from homeschool to an approved private school, or from private school to homeschool, during the school year.
The student withdraws from the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program.
The student no longer meets program eligibility requirements.
The student’s enrollment status or educational placement changes in a way that affects the applicable scholarship category.

When a change occurs, CFEF will review the student’s record and, if necessary, adjust the scholarship amount in accordance with current program policies. Any adjustment will be based on the student’s educational placement and the effective date of the change.

Families should notify Children First Education Fund (CFEF) as soon as possible if their student’s educational plans or eligibility change. Prompt notification helps ensure the scholarship is administered accurately and helps prevent delays in reimbursements or other program services.

What happens if I don’t use all of my scholarship funds?

Scholarship funds are awarded for a single program year and do not carry over to the next school year.

Any scholarship funds that are not used or properly reimbursed by the applicable program deadlines will expire at the end of the program year. Expired funds are returned to the general Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship fund, where they become available to support scholarships for eligible students in the following program year.

To make the most of your scholarship, families should:

Plan educational purchases throughout the school year.
Submit reimbursement requests by the published deadlines.
Monitor their remaining scholarship balance in the CFEF Parent Portal.
Review the current Reimbursement Guide and program deadlines before making purchases.

If you have questions about your available balance or reimbursement deadlines, please contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) before the end of the program year.

Can I receive the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship and another scholarship at the same time?

No. A student may receive only one state-funded K–12 scholarship program during a program year.

This means a student may not receive both the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) and the Utah Fits All Scholarship during the same school year. Families must choose which scholarship program best meets their student’s educational needs.

If a student has applied for or been awarded more than one scholarship program, the family will be asked to select which scholarship they wish to accept before scholarship funds can be awarded.

If you are unsure how another scholarship or educational funding source may affect your eligibility, please contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) before accepting your scholarship so we can help you understand your options.

Can my child attend more than one educational provider?

Yes. The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) is designed to give families flexibility in creating an educational program that best meets their child’s individual needs.

Homeschool students may combine a variety of approved educational options, including:

Educational therapies
Tutoring
Approved educational service providers
Microschools and homeschool co-ops
Online educational programs
Curriculum and instructional materials
Other approved educational services and expenses

Private school students may also use scholarship funds for approved educational expenses beyond tuition and eligible fees, provided sufficient scholarship funds remain and the expenses comply with current CFEF policies and reimbursement requirements.

Students who are classified as homeschooled may participate in multiple part-time educational services. However, if a student is enrolled full-time (defined as three or more days per week for at least five hours per day) in a school or educational program that has not been approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as a private school, scholarship funds may not be used to pay tuition for that program.

Families considering multiple educational providers are encouraged to contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) if they have questions about how a particular educational arrangement may affect scholarship eligibility or reimbursement.

How is a student’s educational placement determined?

A student’s educational placement is determined by the primary educational program in which the student is enrolled, rather than by the total number of educational services the student receives.

A student is classified as a private school student only if they are enrolled in a private school that has been approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

Students who receive parent-directed instruction and supplement their education with therapies, tutoring, microschools, homeschool co-ops, online courses, or other approved educational services are generally classified as homeschooled students.

For CSOS purposes, a student is considered full-time enrolled if they attend a school or educational program three or more days per week for at least five hours per day.

If a student is enrolled full-time in a microschool, online school, or other educational program that has not been approved by USBE as a private school, the student will be classified as a homeschooled student. In that case, scholarship funds may not be used to pay tuition for the full-time program. However, scholarship funds may still be used for approved educational services provided in accordance with current CFEF policies and reimbursement requirements.

If a family’s educational arrangement changes during the school year, they should notify Children First Education Fund (CFEF) as soon as possible so the student’s educational placement and scholarship award can be reviewed and updated, if necessary.

How long does it take for reimbursements to be processed?

CFEF processes reimbursement requests on a monthly schedule.

Reimbursement requests must be submitted by the last day of each month.
Approved reimbursement requests will be paid by ACH (direct deposit) on or before the 25th of the following month.

For example, a complete reimbursement request submitted by September 30 will generally be processed and paid by October 25, provided all required documentation has been received and the expense is approved.

To help avoid delays, families should:

Submit reimbursement requests with all required documentation.
Ensure receipts and supporting documents are complete and legible.
Verify that purchases comply with current CFEF policies before submitting a request.
Respond promptly if CFEF requests additional information during the review process.

Important: For the 2026–2027 program year, all reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than April 30, 2027. Requests received after this deadline cannot be reimbursed unless otherwise permitted under current CFEF policies.

Families can monitor the status of their reimbursement requests through the CFEF Parent Portal. If you have questions about a reimbursement request or payment, please contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) for assistance.

What happens if a reimbursement request is denied?

If a reimbursement request cannot be approved, CFEF will notify the family of the reason for the denial whenever possible.

Common reasons a reimbursement request may be denied include:

The expense is not an approved educational expense under current program policies.
Required documentation or receipts are missing or incomplete.
Additional information is needed to verify the purchase or service.
The request was submitted after the applicable reimbursement deadline.
The expense does not comply with current program requirements.

If the denial is due to missing or incomplete documentation, families may be given the opportunity to submit additional information or correct the submission, provided the reimbursement deadline has not passed and the expense is otherwise eligible.

If the expense itself is not eligible under current CFEF policies, the reimbursement request cannot be approved.

Families who have questions about a denied reimbursement request or need clarification regarding eligible expenses are encouraged to contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) for assistance before making future purchases.

Can I purchase an item before requesting approval?

Families are strongly encouraged to review the current Fund Use Guide before purchasing any item or service with the expectation of reimbursement.

If an item or service is clearly identified as eligible in the Fund Use Guide, families may proceed with their purchase, provided all other program requirements are met.

If an item or service is not clearly addressed in the Fund Use Guide, families should contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) before making the purchase to verify whether the expense is eligible for reimbursement.

Purchases made without prior verification are made at the family’s own risk. If an item or service does not meet current CFEF policies or reimbursement requirements, it may not be eligible for reimbursement.

When in doubt, contact CFEF before making a purchase. We are happy to help families determine whether an expense is eligible and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

How can a business or educational provider become an approved CFEF service provider?

Businesses, educational organizations, therapists, tutors, microschools, online programs, and other providers interested in serving Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) students may apply to become an approved CFEF educational service provider.

To become an approved provider, applicants must:

Complete the CFEF Service Provider Application, which includes providing a federal employer identification number (FEIN).
Submit any required business licenses, certifications, insurance, or supporting documentation, as applicable.
Agree to comply with all CFEF program policies, purchasing requirements, and reimbursement procedures.
Successfully complete CFEF’s review and approval process.

Once approved, service providers may offer eligible educational services to participating scholarship families in accordance with current CFEF policies.

Information about becoming an approved educational service provider, including application requirements and instructions, is available on the Service Providers section of the CFEF website.

Providers with questions about eligibility or the application process are encouraged to contact Children First Education Fund (CFEF) before applying.

How often are approved vendor and provider lists updated?

The list of approved vendors and educational service providers is updated on an ongoing basis.

New vendor and provider applications are reviewed daily. Once an application has been approved, the provider is added to the approved list on the CFEF website as soon as possible.

Under normal circumstances, the process from the time a complete application is submitted until the provider appears on the approved list takes approximately seven (7) business days. Processing times may vary depending on application volume or whether additional information is needed to complete the review.

Providers can help avoid delays by submitting a complete application with all required documentation. Families and providers should always refer to the approved provider list on the CFEF website to verify a provider’s approval status before scheduling services or making purchases.

Who administers the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) administers the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) as Utah’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO).

CFEF is responsible for:

Processing scholarship applications
Determining student eligibility and awarding scholarships
Administering scholarship funds
Approving educational service providers
Processing reimbursements and direct payments
Providing customer service and support to participating families
Administering the day-to-day operation of the scholarship program

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) provides program oversight and has responsibilities established under Utah law, including:

Approving private schools that wish to participate in the program
Providing oversight of the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program
Administering the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program
Working with CFEF to ensure the program operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

In general, families should contact CFEF with questions about applications, scholarships, reimbursements, approved providers, purchasing, or participation in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program. Questions related to private school approval or the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship Program may be directed to USBE when appropriate.

How can families contact CFEF?

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) is committed to providing timely and helpful support to participating families.

Families may contact CFEF by:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (801) 406-9080
Website: www.cfe-fund.org
Parent Portal: Log in to your CFEF Parent Portal to view your application status, scholarship information, reimbursement requests, and important notifications.

Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time (excluding holidays).

CFEF strives to respond to emails and inquiries within two business days. During periods of high application or reimbursement volume, response times may be slightly longer. Families are encouraged to review the CFEF website, Parent Handbook, and Frequently Asked Questions, as many common questions can be answered through these resources.

If your question involves an upcoming deadline or requires immediate attention, please include your student’s name and a brief description of your question when contacting CFEF so staff can assist you as efficiently as possible.

What happens if scholarship funds are used for an unapproved expense?

All purchases and reimbursement requests are reviewed to ensure they comply with current Children First Education Fund (CFEF) policies and program requirements.

If a purchase or reimbursement request includes an unapproved expense, CFEF will review the submission and notify the family if additional information or documentation is needed. If the expense is determined to be ineligible, the request will be denied, and scholarship funds cannot be used to pay for or reimburse that expense.

Families are responsible for ensuring that purchases comply with current program policies. Before making a purchase, families should:

Review the current Fund Use Guide and Reimbursement Guide.
Verify that the item or service is an approved educational expense.
Contact CFEF before making a purchase if they are unsure whether an expense is eligible.

Purchases made without confirming eligibility are made at the family’s own risk and may not be reimbursed.

CFEF’s review process is designed to ensure that scholarship funds are used in accordance with Utah law, program requirements, and the purpose of the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship. Families with questions about eligible expenses are encouraged to contact CFEF before making a purchase.

How does CFEF protect student and family information?

Children First Education Fund (CFEF) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information families provide through the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) program.

Information submitted as part of the application and scholarship process is used only for program administration and compliance purposes, including determining eligibility, administering scholarship funds, processing reimbursements, and meeting applicable legal and reporting requirements.

CFEF maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Access to student and family information is limited to authorized personnel and trusted partners who require the information to administer the program.

CFEF does not sell or share personal information for marketing purposes.

Families who have questions about how their information is collected, used, or protected are encouraged to contact CFEF for additional information.

How do I know if my child is classified as a homeschool or private school student?

A student’s scholarship category is based on the student’s primary educational placement. Students enrolled in a USBE-approved private school are classified as private school students. Students who receive parent-directed instruction, even when using multiple approved educational services such as therapies, tutoring, microschools, homeschool co-ops, or online programs, are generally classified as homeschooled students unless they are enrolled in a USBE-approved private school.

Common Misunderstandings

Does homeschooling mean I can’t use therapies?

No. Homeschooled students may use scholarship funds for approved educational therapies, tutoring, curriculum, educational materials, approved service providers, microschools, online educational services, and other eligible educational expenses in accordance with current CFEF policies and reimbursement requirements.

Can I combine multiple educational options?

Yes. One of the benefits of the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) is its flexibility. Depending on the student’s educational placement, families may combine approved educational services such as therapies, tutoring, curriculum, microschools, homeschool co-ops, online programs, and other approved educational providers.

If you are unsure whether a particular educational arrangement complies with program requirements, please contact CFEF before making changes to your student’s educational program.

Does a microschool automatically qualify as a private school?

No. A microschool is not automatically considered an approved private school.

To participate as a private school in the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program, a school must be approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).

Microschools that are not approved private schools may still participate as approved CFEF educational service providers for eligible homeschooled students, subject to current program policies.

Can I use scholarship funds before accepting my award?

No. State law requires a parent or legal guardian to formally accept the scholarship before scholarship funds can be awarded or used.

If you applied for more than one student, you must complete the acceptance process separately for each child.

Does accepting one child’s scholarship accept all of my children’s scholarships?

No. Each student’s scholarship must be accepted individually through the CFEF Parent Portal.

If you applied for multiple children, accepting one student’s scholarship does not automatically accept scholarship offers for your other children.

Is every educational expense automatically reimbursable?

No. All purchases and reimbursement requests must comply with current CFEF program policies, the Fund Use Guide, and reimbursement requirements.

Before making a purchase, families should:

Review the current Fund Use Guide.
Verify that the item or service is eligible.
Contact CFEF if they are unsure whether an expense qualifies.

Purchases made without confirming eligibility may not be reimbursed.