State grant - B preschool (619)

The Department of Education Nebraska received a formula grant award of $2.5M from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173), effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports comprehensive special education services and related services for children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years throughout Nebraska. The funded services include specialized instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology, and individualized support designed to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions into kindergarten and subsequent academic environments.

As the state education agency, the Department of Education Nebraska distributes the majority of these federal funds through sub-awards to local school districts, charter schools, educational service units, and other regional educational organizations across the state. The program requires Nebraska to establish eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Section 612 and ensure that free appropriate public education is made available to all children ages 3 through 5 with disabilities residing in the state. State-level administration and activities are funded from the initial award amount, with remaining funds flowing to local educational agencies to implement direct service delivery at the community level.