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Early Childhood Special Education - Ages 3-5
Early Childhood Special Education - Ages 3-5
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) Michigan's ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible and only go to more restrictive or specialized settings when their individual needs require it.
Funding Opportunity for Preschool Indicators Grant for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, Section 619
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the Preschool Indicators Grant for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, Section 619.
Grant applications are due no later than 4 pm, Friday, July 25, 2025.
A pre-proposal webinar will be held through Microsoft Teams on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm to discuss general grant information and allow potential applicants to ask questions related to the subgrants, the application requirements, the selection and award process, and the grantee performance requirements.
- Funding Opportunity Announcement Memo
- Application packet for Subgrant 1: Federal Indicator Data Analysis, Sharing, and Reporting
- Application packet for Subgrant 2: Statewide Tiered System of Technical Assistance and Training
- Uniform Application Forms for Subgrant 1 and Subgrant 2
Allocations/Proportionate Share
- 2025-2025 Estimated Special Education Preschool Allocations
- 2024-2025 Final Special Education Preschool Allocations
- IDEA, Part B, Section 611 Allowable Costs
- Special Education Prior Approval Request Form (PDF)
- Proportionate Share Allowable Costs & Guidance
- Proportionate Share Preschool (pg 2) and Flowthrough Calculations Template - PDF fillable form
Inclusion/Least Restrictive Environment
- Early Childhood Inclusion Joint Position Statement of the Division for Early Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Michigan Updated Preschool Educational Environment for Children Ages 3-5 with IEPs (June 2021)
- OSEP 2017 Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Letter (January 9, 2017)
- Preschool Inclusion Collective Action Plan
- Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
Additional inclusion resources can also be found here.
Outcomes Measurement
Reporting Preschool Special Education Outcomes for SPP Indicator 7
Staff
Office of Early Education Main Phone Number: 517-241-7004
Manager, Birth to Five Early Childhood Special Education
Janet Timbs, 517-245-9406
Part B, Section 619 Coordinator
Mark Kuipers, 517-855-8658