Specifications include, but are not limited to:Purpose: The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Juvenile Services Education Schools (JSES), and the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (DSE/EIS) is requesting the services of a consultant to provide expert consultation, policy review and drafting, technical assistance, and program monitoring for legal compliance. Background: The Maryland State Department of Education’s Juvenile Services Education provides educational services for youth residing in Department of Juvenile Services’ facilities across the State. The educational program at each site provides daily instruction and special education services for youth. Given the scope and size of the program, it is essential that JSE monitor special education for compliance under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in a consistent and routine manner. Timely implementation of the IDEA corrective action at select schools necessitates immediate response to improve processes and procedures. Nature of Work: The contractor shall work approximately three months, July 2015 through September 2015, primarily with the MSDE/JSE Director and school staff, to complete the following deliverables: Review and analyze data on specific IDEA violations and provide written recommendations/actions for systemic processes and procedures to ensure timely implementation of IDEA corrective action at select schools and on-going resolution by July 15, 2015. Develop alterations to program operating procedures and a checks and balances system for the timely submission, review and implementation of special education services, including child find processes and procedures by August 15, 2015. Identify and draft recommended revisions/additions/strategies to improve existing program policies and procedures, in an electronic format for approval, as found in the JSES Special Education Policy Manual by September 15, 2015.
