Parents May Apply for $1,500 Special-Ed Related Grants Starting Feb. 3
The TEA has announced that the application window for the state program that provides $1,500 in one-time grants to families of eligible special-ed students opens Feb. 3 and closes at 5 p.m. on March 31.
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program – formerly Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) – gives a $1,500 one-time grant to families of eligible students. Families are given access to an online account where they can use these funds to purchase educational goods and services for their students.
New this year is the requirement that parents must have a My SPEDTex account to apply.
Otherwise, the following eligibility requirements haven’t changed — that the student for whom the funds are to benefit:
- Be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (grades Pre-K through 12th).
- Receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP).
- Has not received the grant in the past. (PDSES is a one-time-only grant.)
Districts are required to provide info about the grant to parents during their child’s annual ARD meeting, and the TEA recommends informing eligible families prior to the opening of the application window.
The TEA provides resources and guidance via the PDSES Website.
