FY 2025-2026 Final Preschool Allocations - This Google workbook includes all preschool formula allocations dating back to FY 2011-2012.
Program Description: Funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are provided to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) on a formula basis for programs and services to students with disabilities (IEPs). IDEA Part B preschool formula provides funds for special education services to children ages 3-5. Funds may be used for staffing, educational materials, equipment, and other costs to provide special education and related services, as well as supplementary aids and services, to children with disabilities. Funds may only be used for special education.
Who is Eligible to Apply: Wisconsin Local Education Agencies (School Districts, Independent Charter Schools, Department of Health Services and Department of Corrections)
Amount of Funds Available: Preschool formula funds are calculated according to the IDEA Amendments of 1997. Under the preschool grant funding formula, LEAs receive a "base amount" and any additional dollars are distributed on the basis of the district’s public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment (85%) and the relative number of children living in poverty (15%). Wisconsin is utilizing the number of Title I formula children in each LEA as the poverty indicator.
Application Process: The application process for IDEA preschool formula funds are accessed through the WISEGrants Web Portal. Step-by-step instructions can be viewed here.
Application Due Date: The initial IDEA preschool formula application for each fiscal year should be submitted by August 31. The expenditure of funds is not permissible prior to July 1 of the fiscal year or the date the IDEA Part B assurances are signed by the LEA's authorizer, whichever is later.
Fiscal Year Closeout: Final IDEA formula budget amendments are due August 31after the close of the fiscal year (ie, 2025-2026 budgets must have final amendments submitted by August 31, 2026). Final claims must be submitted by September 30 after the close of the fiscal year (ie, 2025-2026 budget claims must be submitted by September 30, 2026).
For more information, contact ideafiscal@dpi.wi.gov. Questions related to claims or payments should be directed to Aaron Ziemke, School Financial Services, at aaron.ziemke@dpi.wi.gov.