The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will award one contract with up to two vendors for the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program (SESPP). Applicants must have procedures that address: Detailed steps for certifying students as eligible to receive a Special Education Surrogate Parent. Recruitment, appointment, and support for adults, either in volunteer roles or as otherwise proposed by the vendor(s), who have passed a criminal record screening and who are willing to act in the role of “surrogate parents” for the purpose of special educational decision-making as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) and its implementing regulations, particularly 34 CFR 300.519 related to Surrogate Parents. Appropriate and comprehensive training for SESP volunteers and consultants, as applicable, funded under this procurement. Adults serving as SESPs will be assigned to students throughout the state and will represent students at IEP meetings. Paid consultants may be used as necessary. The vendor shall define when/if any paid consultants will be used.
