The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), Special Education Services Section is accepting Fiscal Year 2027 applications from Alabama public school systems for four Special Initiatives supporting children and youth with disabilities: Project SEARCH Support, Temporary Special Education Certificate teacher support, Parent Training and Counseling Support, and the Preschool Outcomes Initiative.
Eligibility: Any Alabama public school system that has enrolled a child or youth with a disability who is eligible for special education and related services under applicable federal and state law may apply. A separate application is required for each funding option.
Funding: Project SEARCH start up programs may receive reimbursement for the current $18,000 licensing fee plus up to $30,000 for materials, supplies, training expenses, and travel. Existing Project SEARCH programs may receive the current $350 renewal fee plus up to $15,000, while replication at a new host business may receive the current $12,000 licensing fee plus up to $30,000 for materials and supplies. TSEC support provides up to $5,000 per eligible participant. Parent Training and Counseling Support accepts applications up to $20,000 per project. Preschool Outcomes Initiative awards are available at $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $150,000 levels based on the LEA’s eligible preschool enrollment thresholds. Approved grants may be fully or partially funded.
Next published deadline: December 4, 2026 for Round 2 electronic applications. The controlling ALSDE memorandum does not publish a closing clock time or time zone. ALSDE notes that additional submission dates may be added if funds remain after each round.
Allowable and restricted costs: Allowable costs vary by initiative. Parent Training and Counseling Support may cover specified participant fees, registration fees, presenter fees, certain in state travel and per diem, counseling costs, and transportation or mileage reimbursement. Preschool Outcomes Initiative funds may support materials, supplies, equipment, technology, assistive technology, recruitment and retention, personnel development, and professional development. Preschool grants cannot pay salaries or contract special education or related services. Gift cards, food, and promotional items are not allowable under any of the four initiatives.
Submission: Applications are submitted electronically through the official ALSDE application link in the controlling memorandum and attached application materials. Project SEARCH applicants must include the required checklist. Option specific forms and documentation requirements apply. All approved FY 2027 funds must be expended by September 30, 2027, and expenditures may not begin before the application is submitted and approved.
Match or cost share: The controlling memorandum does not state a mandatory applicant match or cost share for these Special Initiatives.
Questions may be directed to the ALSDE Special Education Services Section at sesgrants@alsde.edu or 334-694-4782.
Atlas analysis: Atlas Opportunity Score 82/100. N9+ Fit Score 62/100. The opportunity is strongly relevant to special education, disability services, parent support, and preschool developmental outcomes. The Preschool Outcomes Initiative expressly permits equipment, technology, and assistive technology, but the controlling guidance does not specifically identify remote examination technology or the Nonagon N9+ device and platform as an allowable or preferred use. Any N9+ role should therefore be treated as conditional on a genuine LEA need, a project that directly advances the required preschool outcome indicators, and ALSDE confirmation of allowability. Initial applicant outreach should not introduce N9+.
Official source: ALSDE FY26-2054, Fiscal Year 2027 Special Education Services Application for Special Initiatives Grants.