State grant - B preschool (619)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded a $19,409,261 Formula Grant under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) to the Illinois State Board of Education. This grant provides funding to support comprehensive special education and related services for children with disabilities aged 3 through 5 years in Illinois, with optional services for 2-year-olds transitioning to age 3. The grant funds a wide range of educational interventions, including specialized instruction, therapy, assistive technology, and individualized support services to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions into kindergarten and future academic environments.

Through this Formula Grant, the Illinois State Board of Education has awarded over 40 sub-grants to local school districts, intermediate educational units, and other regional educational organizations across Illinois. These sub-grants provide funding for staffing, professional development, instructional materials, supplies, and contracted services to supplement the school districts' special education programs for preschool children with disabilities. The sub-grants ensure that these young children receive free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).