State grant - B preschool (619)

The Connecticut Department of Education received a $5.4 million formula grant award from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173), effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports the delivery of comprehensive special education and related services to children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years throughout Connecticut. The state education agency distributes these funds to local educational agencies, school districts, and other eligible regional educational organizations as sub-awards, following set-aside allocations for state-level administration and activities.

The funded services include 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 subsequent academic environments. By providing free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible preschool-age children with disabilities, this grant award ensures Connecticut meets its obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, Section 612, while strengthening foundational educational outcomes for vulnerable student populations.