Assisting Our Nation's Preschool Children with Disabilities and Their Families: A Briefing Paper on Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 1986-1995.

This briefing paper provides background information and reports on the achievements and future challenges of the Preschool Grants Program of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Section 619 authorizes grants to states to provide special education and related services to children, ages 3 through 5 years, with disabilities. This legislation creates a collaborative federal, state, and local partnership that provides the framework for the nationwide development and implementation of preschool services. The first section of the paper explains the grants program and the types of services available. The second section discusses four significant accomplishments of the Preschool Grants Programs: (1) more children with disabilities are receiving services; (2) programs are improved by innovations in service delivery; (3) services are more cost effective and comprehensive through increased interagency collaboration; and (4) a greater number of more highly qualified personnel are available to provide services. The last section identifies future challenges, including the need to serve children in community-based settings. Two tables are provided; the first illustrates annual federal appropriations and the number of children served under the Preschool Grants Program from 1986 to 1995, and the second states special education and related services specified under IDEA. Parental narratives on the benefits of the preschool program are included also. (Contains 11 references.) (CR)