How Georgia and Florida districts fund a PAES Lab
IDEA Part B, Perkins V, Pre-ETS, grants and sole-source purchasing, explained for special education and CTE leaders.
Budget is usually the first question. Most districts fund PAES through one source or a mix. I'll help you find the right fit and prepare the justification. Final eligibility always depends on your district's plans and your state agency's guidance.
IDEA Part B
IDEA requires that, beginning no later than the first IEP in effect when a student turns 16, the IEP include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments. PAES provides that assessment, so it often fits within IDEA Part B spending for transition assessment and services.Perkins V (CTE / CTAE)
Perkins V can support career exploration and equipment that serve special populations, including students with disabilities, when aligned with your Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA).Pre-ETS through Vocational Rehabilitation
WIOA requires state VR agencies (GVRA in Georgia, DVR in Florida) to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services, including job exploration and work-readiness training. Some districts partner with VR on these services.Grants, foundations & partners
State innovation grants, local education foundations and community or corporate partners can cover startup costs. One Georgia high school received a 2026 Innovative Education Fund award for its PAES Lab.Sole-source purchasing
PAES Productions, LLC is the sole source provider of the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES®), the only company that can distribute or produce the program. I'm the PAES representative for Georgia and Florida and can provide the current sole-source letter, W-9 and vendor paperwork your purchasing office needs.
Purchase orders are submitted to PAES Productions. I'll prepare a formal quote for your district first.
Get the free PAES Funding Guide for GA & FL districts
A short PDF for directors and grant writers. It covers each funding source, how PAES maps to Indicator 13, sole-source purchasing steps and the room checklist.
Download the guideWant help building the budget?
Send me your program details and I'll prepare a quote and a funding plan for your district.