OSERS-OSEP: Interdisciplinary Preparation of Early Intervention, Special Education, and Related Services Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs, ALN: 84.325K FY25 NIA

Background
The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2025 under the program aimed at improving personnel preparation for early intervention, special education, and related services for children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs.

The program's purpose is to address state-identified needs for personnel preparation and ensure that personnel possess the necessary skills and knowledge derived from scientifically based research to effectively serve children with disabilities.

Grant Details
The grant will support interdisciplinary projects that prepare personnel at the master's, educational specialist, or clinical doctoral degree levels in early intervention, special education, and related services.

Projects must deliver core content through shared coursework, group assignments, and extensive clinical experiences across two or more graduate degree programs.

The focus areas include:
1. Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs;
2. Preparing Personnel to Serve School-Age Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs.

Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will build capacity in these areas through evidence-based strategies and outline how they will engage families and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation processes.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (IHEs) and private nonprofit organizations with legal authority to enter into grants on behalf of an IHE.

Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate their status through various means such as IRS recognition or state certification. Applicants must also involve individuals with disabilities or their parents in project planning and evaluation.

Period of Performance
The project period may extend up to 60 months, with specific activities designed to ensure scholars complete their programs within this timeframe.

Grant Value
Estimated available funds for this grant are $6 million, with an estimated range of awards between $150,000 to $350,000 per year. The maximum award per project is capped at $1,250,000 over a 60-month period.