IDEA Part B Grant Program
IDEA Part B Grant Program supports Illinois children with disabilities through supplemental special education, related services, and leadership activities to improve services and educational results.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates: May 31, 2027 (Amendments; nonpublic consultation) | June 30, 2027 (Application for July 1 start) | January 15, 2026 (FY26 charter excess cost) | March 16, 2026 (FY26 district excess cost)
Funding Amounts: Flow-Through allocations use a base payment plus population/poverty funding; annual grant period, with an August 31 extension option
Summary: Supports supplemental special education and related services for Illinois children with disabilities, including preschool services and special education leadership activities.
Key Information: Districts must document Maintenance of Effort before approval and before spending IDEA funds.
Description
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), through its Special Education Department, administers IDEA Part B funding to support a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Flow-Through funds serve children with disabilities ages 3–21, Preschool funds supplement comprehensive special education for ages 3–5, and Discretionary grants support leadership activities improving special education services in Illinois.
Funding supports special education personnel, related services, training, specialized consultants, instructional supplies, materials, and equipment. Program priorities include identifying children’s needs before school entry, improving educational results through individualized education programs and the general curriculum, educating children alongside nondisabled peers, and strengthening parent-school partnerships. The program also emphasizes higher expectations, school accountability, and reducing unnecessary paperwork.
