A University of Georgia graduate program that prepares elementary school teachers to work with autistic children has received a federal grant of $1.2 million.

The money will help the Collaborative Personnel Preparation in Autism project continue its work through 2017. The program is a partnership between UGA special education faculty and four area public school systems: Clarke, Gwinnett, Madison and Oconee counties.

UGA says more than 70 percent of the money will be used to fund 45 highly qualified and adaptive curriculum certified public school teachers to help elementary school students with autism spectrum disorders.

Fellowship applicants from across the nation will be considered. Priority will go to those with experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders, who are from underrepresented groups, and who aren't certified in special education.

Tags: University of Georgia, federal grant, Georgia teachers, autism