Special Education Funding

 
Overview

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides formula grants to assist states in meeting the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.

Funds under this federal formula grant are combined with state and local funds to provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. Most IDEA federal formula funds provided to states are passed directly to school systems.

• Learn more about how education is funded.

• See allocation and expenditure data for IDEA federal funds, as well as other state and federal grant programs administered by the Louisiana Department of Education.

IDEA Grant Application

Each year, the Department completes an IDEA grant application that outlines the use of IDEA Part B 611 state-level set aside funds. These funds are reserved for a variety of specified activities such as support and direct services, technical assistance and personnel preparation, monitoring and mediation, and improving the use of technology in the classroom.

Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024 IDEA grant application development:

• Review the updated DRAFT FFY 2024 IDEA Grant Application.

• Review the updated DRAFT FFY 2024 IDEA Grant Application Project Descriptors. The Project Descriptions are also available in Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese. (translations coming soon)

• Public comment available March 19 through April 19, 2024.

Partnership Opportunities

The Department periodically seeks partners to support special education initiatives. Current opportunities:  

• Request for Applications: Special Education Professional Development and Support for Direct Services

See the Special Education Reporting and Funding Library