Two Mississippi school districts will improve access for pre-K students with disabilities

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) awarded two school districts nearly $1.5 million in grants. According to officials, the grants will create Blended Pre-K programs and improve access for pre-K students with disabilities to be included in high-quality early childhood programs in the same classrooms with their non-disabled peers.

The Lamar County School District (LCSD) and the Simpson County School District (SCSD) were awarded the grants after a competitive selection process. The Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five (PDG-B5) is covered by new federal funds to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). The grant period begins July 1, 2024, and ends June 30, 2027. 

With the funds, LCSD will serve 20 children in one new classroom and SCSD will serve 60 children in three new classrooms. The grant award will be $150,000 per classroom for the first year for program setup with $110,000 per classroom in funds to be awarded each year for year two and year three for support of continued implementation.

According to officials, the Blended Pre-K program utilizes a co-teaching model of a general education teacher and special education teacher in one classroom.