ROTH IRA features for children vs 529

I would like to set up a ROTH IRA for my grandchildren. Can they later on take the money out for educational purposes (college, technical education, etc) without penalty, if necessary? I prefer this alternative to the 529 Savings Plan.

Terry Says:  Sorry, you can’t set up a Roth IRA — UNLESS they have “earned income” from a job!  If they do report income, then you can give them up to $5,000 (or up to that limit and as much as they earned) even if they spent their own money!   You’re much better off opening a 529 plan.