The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has extended the application deadline for $75 million in new preschool funding to June 30, offering potential providers two additional weeks to submit applications. The Early Childhood Block Grant aims to increase access to preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds across the state and fill critical gaps in underserved areas. ISBE is encouraging providers to apply for this new funding to offer preschool services in the state’s preschool deserts. The application opened April 17, and the deadline is 4 p.m. on June 30. The grant application is open to a wide range of entities, including public school districts, nonpublic schools, Regional Offices of Education, not-for-profit or for-profit community-based organizations, and child care centers – any provider with experience serving young children and their families. Interested applicants may access the Request for Proposal on the ISBE website. Applications are due to ISBE no later than 4 p.m. on June 30, 2023. The Early Childhood Block Grant provides funding for three programs:

• Preschool for All – Half-day (2.5 hours per day), high-quality preschool for 3-5-year-olds with licensed teachers and standards-aligned curriculum

• Preschool for All-Expansion – Full-day (five hours per day), high-quality preschool along with comprehensive physical and mental health services designed to serve 3-5-year-olds in the highest-need communities

• Prevention Initiative – Home visiting and center-based programs that provide intensive, research-based, and comprehensive child development and family support services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3

Interested applicants may access the Request for Proposal on the ISBE website. Applications are due to ISBE no later than 4 p.m. on June 30, 2023.