Local Application for Federal Funds (LAFF) SFY2024

As the lead agency for Maryland’s early intervention system, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services (DEI/SES) is pleased to present the Local Application for Federal Funds (LAFF) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that makes available a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and Toddlers birth to age 4 with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. School-age children and youth 3 -21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Blueprint) is Maryland’s plan intended to transform Maryland’s education system. increasing education funding, enriching student experiences, and accelerating student outcomes for all students. The foundation to elevate every child to reach their full potential is organized into five (5) pillars; Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education, Pillar 2: High-Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leaders, Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness, Pillar 4: More Resources for Students to be Successful, and Pillar 5: Governance & Accountability. The detailed practices outlined in each pillar are explicit in its support to student groups that are most at risk, including students with disabilities.

The purpose of IDEA funds are as follows:

• to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living;

• to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected;

• to ensure that educators and parents have the necessary tools to improve educational results for children with disabilities by supporting system improvement activities; coordinated research and personnel preparation; coordinated technical assistance, dissemination, and support; and technology development and media services; and

• to assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities.
  

Grant Information Guide (GIG)

Application For Participation