Special Education Programs:
Pre-School Section 619

The Preschool Grants Program, authorized under Section 619 of Part B of IDEA, was established in 1981 to provide grants to states to serve young children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 years. All states and eligible jurisdictions and outlying areas have participated in the program since fiscal year 1992. As of December 1, 2000, slightly less than 600,000 children were receiving special education and related services nationwide.

To be eligible for Preschool Grants funds, states must implement all requirements under Part B of IDEA for special education and related services. These requirements include areas such as due process, nondiscriminatory testing and evaluation, individualized educational program (IEP), placement in the least restrictive environment, and parent participation.