480-10-3703 Early Childhood Block Grant – Early Childhood – Preschool for All Expansion STATE
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois organizations implementing high-quality preschool programs serving 3- to 5-year-old children in high-need communities. Eligible applicants are schools, school districts, community organizations, and nonprofits licensed or approved to operate childcare or preschool programs in Illinois. Programs must offer full school-day instruction with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. Activities include family engagement support, instructional leadership, positive behavioral development, and employment of family educators and mental health consultants.
Programs are open to Illinois communities only and must demonstrate commitment to serving high-need populations. Organizations must be able to sustain programming and meet state quality standards.
This grant is for Illinois organizations implementing high-quality preschool programs serving 3- to 5-year-old children in high-need communities. Eligible applicants are schools, school districts, community organizations, and nonprofits licensed or approved to operate childcare or preschool programs in Illinois. Programs must offer full school-day instruction with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. Activities include family engagement support, instructional leadership, positive behavioral development, and employment of family educators and mental health consultants.
Programs are open to Illinois communities only and must demonstrate commitment to serving high-need populations. Organizations must be able to sustain programming and meet state quality standards.
Program description
To implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that reach and serve 3 to 5-year-old children in high-need communities and include a full school day of instruction and comprehensive services in the areas of medical, dental and mental health. This includes targeted supports around family engagement, instructional practices and positive behavioral and social-emotional development, including a family educator, instructional leader, and mental health consultation. Administered by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 480-10-3703).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Illinois organizations implementing high-quality preschool programs serving 3- to 5-year-old children in high-need communities. Eligible applicants are schools, school districts, community organizations, and nonprofits licensed or approved to operate childcare or preschool programs in Illinois. Programs must offer full school-day instruction with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. Activities include family engagement support, instructional leadership, positive behavioral development, and employment of family educators and mental health consultants.
Programs are open to Illinois communities only and must demonstrate commitment to serving high-need populations. Organizations must be able to sustain programming and meet state quality standards.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Illinois GATA Application Form (or equivalent online submission)
- Project Narrative/Program Description
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Financial Statements
- Letters of Support from Community Partners
- Evidence of Organization's Legal Status (501c3 or government agency designation)
- Staffing Plan and Qualifications
- Sustainability Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Alicia Lynch-Deatherage
- 📧 Alynchde@isbe.net
- 📞 217-524-4835
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois public schools, school districts, community organizations, and nonprofits licensed to operate preschool or childcare programs. Private providers and other Illinois-based organizations may also be eligible.
What geographic area is covered?
This grant serves only Illinois communities. Programs must operate within the state.
What activities does this funding support?
Full-day preschool instruction, medical and dental services, mental health consultation, family engagement programs, and social-emotional development activities.
How much funding is available?
The total funding pool is approximately $72 million. Individual award amounts are not specified in available materials.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 17, 2026. Check the Illinois GATA portal for specific submission instructions and any rolling deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your program reaches high-need communities and the specific barriers families face. Detail your plan to sustain the program beyond grant funding.
- Invest time describing your team's qualifications. Highlight your family educator, instructional leader, and mental health consultant roles.
- Include letters of support from school districts, healthcare providers, and community partners. Show coordination with local systems.
- Document your approach to comprehensive services: medical, dental, and mental health. Explain referral partnerships and in-house capacity.
- Build a detailed budget tied to quality indicators. Show how funds support staff, materials, and family engagement activities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague descriptions of "high-need community" without data on poverty, family barriers, or demographics. Not explaining how you'll fund the program after the grant ends.
Weak staffing plans that don't highlight dedicated family educator, instructional leader, or mental health roles. Overlooking the requirement for comprehensive services across medical, dental, and mental health.
Underestimating administrative burden of compliance with Illinois GATA and state quality standards. Failing to show partnerships with schools, healthcare, and social services.
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