The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is offering funding through the Special Education Preschool Discretionary grant under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support the STAR NET program. This program is designed to provide professional development and technical assistance to educational entities that serve young children with disabilities, improving the quality of their education. The STAR NET program focuses on early childhood education professionals and families, supporting them through training, consultation, and resource distribution. The initiative emphasizes evidence-based practices and aligns with state and national standards for early childhood education and special education.

The grant is federally funded with an anticipated total program funding of $3,229,050, divided into six awards of $538,175 each, corresponding to six designated regions of Illinois. The funding must be used to supplement, rather than replace, existing resources, and grantees must adhere to specific financial restrictions and indirect cost policies. ISBE will oversee the administration and compliance of the grant, ensuring that funds are used effectively for training, technical assistance, and professional development activities that align with early childhood education standards.

Eligible applicants include public school districts, Regional Offices of Education (ROEs), Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs), special education joint agreements and cooperatives, not-for-profit entities, public universities, public university laboratory schools approved by ISBE, charter schools, and area vocational centers. Applicants must have experience in providing technical assistance and training in early childhood education. Only one application per entity is permitted, determined by its Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Additionally, applicants must complete the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) prequalification process before submission.

Applications must be submitted through the ISBE Attachment Manager by 4 PM on April 11, 2025. The grant period begins on July 1, 2025, and extends through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent on performance and funding availability. Proposals will be reviewed based on a merit-based selection process, evaluating the applicant’s experience, proposed program quality, and ability to meet the needs of early childhood special education professionals and families.

Grant recipients will be required to complete risk assessments, financial and programmatic reporting, and evaluations to measure progress against defined performance metrics. The program includes mandatory regional training sessions, technical assistance initiatives, and professional development opportunities to support educators and families. The funding is intended to foster collaboration among state and local educational agencies, improve program capacity, and ensure compliance with special education laws and policies. Additional details, including the application process, requirements, and FAQs, are available on the ISBE website.