State grant - B preschool (619)

The Illinois State Board of Education received a formula grant award of $19.4 million 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, through September 30, 2026. This funding supports comprehensive special education services for children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years throughout Illinois. The grant enables the state to provide specialized instruction, therapeutic services (including speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy), assistive technology, and individualized support services designed to prepare young children with disabilities for successful transitions to kindergarten and beyond.

As the state education agency, ISBE distributes the majority of these funds as sub-awards to local school districts and eligible educational entities, including schools like Libertyville School District 70. Sub-grantees utilize the funding to employ specialized staff and purchase materials and supplies that supplement comprehensive special education programs. The grant allows districts to reimburse costs for residential placements, provide appropriate free education services, and deliver direct services to eligible students while ISBE maintains oversight, compliance, and accountability responsibilities across Illinois's educational system.