State grant - B preschool (619)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) awarded the Mississippi Department of Education $4,649,156 under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This formula grant supports comprehensive special education services and related services for children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years in Mississippi. 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 subsequent academic environments.

As the state education agency recipient, the Mississippi Department of Education administers the grant by distributing sub-awards to local school districts, charter schools, intermediate educational units, and other regional educational organizations throughout the state. The program requires that states provide free appropriate public education to all eligible children with disabilities within their jurisdictions and maintain compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B requirements. State and subgrantee entities must maintain detailed records related to grant funds and compliance for three years from submission of final expenditure reports.