Special Education

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B)

IDEA-B, Section 611 - Special Education - Grants to States

Funding Source:
Federal (CFDA No. 84.027

Grant Program Name: 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Part B (IDEA-B) IDEA-B,
Section 611 – Special Education - Grants to States

Deadline:   July 1, prior to each school year.

Application Information:
Application materials are distributed annually to eligible grant recipients. Intermediate Units applying for IDEA-B flow-through funds file electronic applications using the PDE eGrants website.  Other LEA applicants applying for IDEA-B discretionary funds, such as Approved Private Schools, file paper applications.  PDE IDEA-B program and fiscal guidelines provide instructions and procedures for LEAs to follow in applying for IDEA-B funds.

Other Current Information
IDEA-B Program and Fiscal Guidelines

Program Description

  • Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Grants to States Program (IDEA-B) provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to supplement and/or increase the level of special education and related services provided to eligible students with disabilities ages 3 through 21 who are enrolled in special education programs.
  • An LEA is eligible for assistance under Part B when the LEA has approved policies and procedures on file with the State Educational Agency (Department of Education) that are consistent with the State policies and procedures established under Section 612 of IDEA.  These policies and procedures include, but are not limited to, child find, procedural safeguards, confidentiality, personnel development, performance goals and indicators, participation in assessments, and suspension and expulsion.
  • Part B Funds may be used to supplement programs of special education for students with disabilities in areas which include, but are not limited to, assistive technology, extended school year services, personnel training and parent training.

Restrictions on Funding:
There are numerous restrictions on the use of IDEA-B funds.  In general, they may only be used to supplement the level of services provided to eligible students with disabilities as defined in the Act and its Regulations.  LEAs must comply with maintenance of fiscal effort requirements, and in no case may IDEA-B funds be used to supplant state and/or local funds.

Eligible Entities and/or Partners:
Only LEAs that have approved policies and procedures on file with the Department of Education that are consistent with the State policies and procedures established under Section 612 of IDEA are eligible to apply for IDEA funds.  Intermediate units receive flow through funding grants and, in collaboration with their member school districts and public charter schools: (1) provide regional supplementary aides, services, and other related services for eligible students with disabilities within each intermediate unit’s geographical area; and/or (2) provide pass-through funding subgrants to the school districts and public charter schools who provide such special education services.

Method of Distribution:
IDEA-B funds are distributed by formulas contained in the IDEA Law and its Regulations: Allocate to each eligible LEA at least 75 percent of the funds based on the number of children with disabilities receiving special education and related services within the intermediate unit region generated by child count for the base year (1999-2000). Allocate 85% of any remaining funds on the basis of relative numbers of children enrolled in public and private elementary and secondary schools within the intermediate unit’s region. Allocate 15% of any remaining funds on the basis of students living in poverty within the intermediate unit’s region.

PDE Bureau/Agency Responsible
Bureau of Special Education (BSE):  Phone Number:    (717) 783-6913