The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded a $1,315,398 Formula Grant on July 1, 2024 through the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173). This funding supports the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) in providing 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 grant funds a wide range of educational interventions, including specialized instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology, and individualized support services. These services are designed to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions into kindergarten and future academic environments. As the state education agency, OPI will distribute sub-awards to local school districts, intermediate educational units, charter schools, and other regional educational organizations to deliver these critical special education services across Montana.