State grant - B preschool (619)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) awarded the California Department of Education a formula grant of $42.2 million under the Special Education Preschool Grants program (CFDA 84.173) on July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This award funds comprehensive special education services and related supports for children with disabilities aged 3 through 5 years in California. The state education agency serves as the primary recipient and subsequently distributes sub-awards to local educational agencies, school districts, and regional educational organizations throughout the state to ensure eligible children receive free appropriate public education.

The funding supports 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 to kindergarten. As a formula grant administered through state education agencies, California's allocation is distributed based on federal formulae, with the state retaining funds for administration and state-level activities before making subgrants to local eligible recipients. Grant recipients must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B requirements and maintain records for three years following final expenditure reporting.