State grant - B preschool (619)

The U.S. Department of Education's Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) awarded the Minnesota Department of Education a $8,176,457 formula grant on July 1, 2024. This grant provides comprehensive special education and related services for children with disabilities aged 3 through 5 years, with optional services for 2-year-olds transitioning to age 3. The funding supports specialized instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology, and individualized support services to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions into kindergarten and future academic environments. The Minnesota Department of Education subsequently awarded sub-grants totaling $341,574 to various local school districts in Minnesota, including Mankato Area Public Schools ISD 77, Faribault Public Schools District Office, and Hastings Independent School District 200, to deliver these early childhood special education services at the local level.