State grant - B preschool (619)

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education received a $10.89M formula grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) effective July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This award supports the delivery of comprehensive special education services and related services to children with disabilities aged 3 through 5 years throughout Massachusetts, ensuring eligible children receive free appropriate public education in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

As the state administering agency, DESE utilizes the formula grant funding to provide specialized instruction, therapeutic services (including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy), assistive technology, and individualized educational support designed to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions to kindergarten. Following standard program protocols, DESE distributes sub-awards from this allocation to local educational agencies, charter schools, and regional educational organizations across the Commonwealth after setting aside funds for state-level administration and activities. The grant requires DESE to maintain compliance documentation for three years and operates under IDEA Part B sections 612 and 613, along with applicable Code of Federal Regulations provisions governing state-administered education programs.