State grant - B preschool (619)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) awarded the Kansas State Department of Education a formula grant of $4,770,287 under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) with an award date of July 1, 2025, and completion date of September 30, 2026. This grant supports comprehensive special education services and related services for children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years across Kansas. The funding enables the delivery of 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 prime recipient, the Kansas State Department of Education distributes sub-awards to local educational agencies, including Unified School District NO. 500 (Kansas City Kansas Public Schools) and Auburn-Washburn School District, which received pass-through awards designated for early childhood services on March 17, 2026. These sub-awardees utilize the funding to provide direct special education services and support to preschool-age children with disabilities within their respective service areas, ensuring free appropriate public education is available to eligible populations.