IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Eligibility
All California public school districts that serve students with disabilities under IDEA Part B are eligible. Funding is allocated by formula through the California Department of Education. Every eligible district receives funds automatically based on the number of students with IEPs.
- Eligible: All California public school districts serving students with disabilities
- Students must have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Funds support the least restrictive environment (LRE) principle
- IDEA also funds early intervention programs (Part C) for ages 0-2
Program Goals
IDEA ensures that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Funds support special education services, assistive technology, and instructional materials that help students with disabilities access the general curriculum.
Hands-on, tactile learning tools like physical computing kits support multisensory approaches that benefit many students with learning differences, including those with autism, ADHD, processing differences, and fine motor challenges.
Application and Distribution
No competitive application is required. IDEA Part B funds flow from the federal government to states and then to local education agencies automatically. California districts access their allocations through CDE's special education funding channels. Districts must comply with IDEA requirements, including developing appropriate IEPs for all eligible students.
Grant Award Amount
IDEA Part B is funded at approximately $15 billion nationally per year. California receives several billion dollars annually. Individual district allocations are based on enrollment, poverty rates, and the number of students with disabilities. District-level allocations can be found in CDE's funding data.
Allowable Purchases
Instructional Materials and Assistive Technology
IDEA funds can support instructional materials and assistive technology that help students with disabilities access curriculum. Hands-on, physical tools that support multisensory learning are eligible when connected to IEP goals.
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Tangible, visual coding tools that work well for students who benefit from hands-on, concrete learning. The physical nature of the hardware supports students who struggle with abstract coding on a screen alone. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Step-by-step AI literacy curriculum accessible to students with a range of learning needs. Supports social-emotional learning through collaborative, low-stakes activities. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Project-based activities with built-in scaffolding. Works well in co-taught and resource room settings where differentiation is essential.
Keep in Mind
Any IDEA-funded purchase should be documented as supporting specific IEP goals for your students. Work with special education staff to connect coding tools to communication, fine motor, or academic objectives.
Tools that work in general education classrooms alongside the rest of the class are ideal. Physical computing kits can be used in co-taught settings, supporting inclusion.
If you are purchasing tools specifically as assistive technology for individual students, an AT evaluation may be required. General instructional tools used program-wide have more flexibility.
Track how students engage with the tools and what skills they build. Good documentation supports future funding requests and program justifications.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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