OSERS: OSEP: Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities—Early Childhood Personnel Equity Center, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325C | ED GRANTS 031722 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 031722 002

The Early Childhood Personnel Equity Center grant opportunity (OSERS: OSEP, ALN 84.325C; Opportunity Number ED GRANTS 031722 002) is a U.S. Department of Education discretionary funding competition administered through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), specifically the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). It is offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally means the Department expects to have substantial involvement with the recipient during the project period (for example, ongoing collaboration, shared decision-making on key activities, and federal oversight beyond standard grant monitoring). The overall intent is to strengthen and improve the preparation and effectiveness of personnel who serve young children with disabilities, including infants and toddlers, by supporting work grounded in scientifically based research and evidence-informed practice.

At its core, the program is designed to address state-identified needs in the workforce that supports children with disabilities across early childhood settings. The notice emphasizes two connected goals: first, helping states meet their specific, locally determined shortages or preparation gaps in special education, early intervention, related services, and regular education personnel who work with young children with disabilities; and second, ensuring these personnel leave preparation and professional learning experiences with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in delivering services and improving outcomes. In practical terms, this kind of award typically supports activities like developing, improving, and scaling high-quality training and technical assistance models; strengthening pipelines into early intervention and early childhood special education roles; and building systems that support equitable access to qualified personnel across communities.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common public and private entities that work in education, human services, and disability systems. Eligible applicants listed include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and other entities as described in the official notice. This range suggests OSEP intended the competition to attract applicants capable of working at scale and across systems, such as universities, state agencies, regional service providers, national centers, and cross-sector partnerships that can influence personnel preparation and workforce conditions.

The posting indicates an anticipated single award, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000. With one expected award, the competition appears structured to fund a centralized “center” model (consistent with the title Early Childhood Personnel Equity Center), where one lead organization coordinates national or multi-state activities, produces tools and guidance, and provides technical assistance intended to improve equity in the early childhood personnel pipeline and workforce. Because the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, the funded center would typically be expected to align closely with OSEP priorities, reporting requirements, and performance measures laid out in the Federal Register notice and to coordinate with other federally funded technical assistance centers and initiatives.

Key dates from the listing are: applications became available March 17, 2022; the deadline for transmittal of applications was May 16, 2022; and the deadline for intergovernmental review was July 15, 2022. OSERS also planned to provide support to potential applicants through pre-recorded informational webinars, to be posted no later than five days after publication in the Federal Register, with links provided through the OSEP “new grants” webpage. For applicants, those webinars typically clarify expectations, competition priorities, and submission mechanics, but the controlling requirements remain in the official Federal Register application notice and the Department’s Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (referenced as published December 27, 2021).

For official guidance, applicants were directed to consult the Federal Register notice for details such as priorities, selection criteria, required project components, evaluation expectations, performance measures, and application submission instructions. The program contact listed is Tracie Dickson at the U.S. Department of Education (400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5176, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-5076; phone 202-245-7844; email Tracie.Dickson@ed.gov).

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "OSERS: OSEP: Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities—Early Childhood Personnel Equity Center, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325C" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.325.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 17, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 16, 2022 Applications Available March 17, 2022. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications May 16, 2022. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review July 15, 2022. Pre-Application Webinar Information No later than 5 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will post details on pre-recorded informational webinars designed to provide technical assistance to interested applicants. Links to the webinars may be found at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Tracie Dickson, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 5176, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-5076. Telephone (202) 245-7844. Email Tracie.Dickson@ed.gov.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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