The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded a $20,530,932 Formula Grant under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) to the Florida Department of Education. This grant will be used to provide comprehensive special education and related services to children with disabilities aged 3 through 5 years in Florida, with optional services for 2-year-olds transitioning to age 3. The grant supports a wide range of educational interventions, including specialized instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology, and individualized support services designed to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions into kindergarten and future academic environments.
As the primary recipient, the Florida Department of Education is responsible for administering the grant and distributing sub-awards to local school districts, intermediate educational units, charter schools, and other regional educational organizations throughout the state. These sub-awards will enable the delivery of targeted educational services to preschool children with disabilities, ensuring their access to high-quality programs that promote positive outcomes and successful transitions.