Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Independent Contractor will provide an Independent Living Skills platform in six (6) major categories incorporating smaller, comprehendible lessons for youth ages 14-21 with various education levels within each category. Providers need not offer both service delivery platforms, however, MDCPS will prioritize awards based on capability to deliver more than one quality independent living skill category, capability to provide both virtual and face-to-face platforms, and capability to deliver both virtual and face-to-face services statewide. The thematic curriculum and unit lessons should align with the training framework described by the John H. Chafee Act; “activities and programs include, but are not limited to, help with education, employment, financial management, housing, emotional support and assured connections to caring adults for older youth in foster care.” Learning programs should also support the Youth Appraisal assessment tool, the National Youth in Transition Database survey, and Modified Settlement Agreement (MSA) data reporting needs specific to the current Olivia Y MSA provision. Core Design Features: Virtual platforms or learning management systems should already be established. Funding is not available for construction or establishment of any virtual or learning platform. Twelve-month online subscription and/or unlimited participation through instructor-led group lessons for up to one-thousand participants as per agreement. The lessons vary in length and can take participants or instructors between 25 minutes to one hour to complete. Certifications available for both virtual and/or instructor-led group lessons for youth that pass a cumulative assessment with a rating of at least 70% at the end of each lesson. Statewide access: Provides 24/7 anytime/anywhere access for each Independent Living Participant subscriber. (Only applicable if on-line learning services are proposed) MDCPS access to a customized catalog and curriculum of lessons including any updates to catalogs and curriculum. Access to view an already-made established online-learning system: this will enable relevant stakeholders to monitor, review ILP participants’ progress and access other significant data and reports. (Only applicable if on-line learning services) Capabilities for MDCPS to pull monthly reports or partner to provide monthly reports for youth enrolled by regions to include but not be limited to the number of courses in progress, date course started, the date of course completion and final assessment score. Onsite Staff Training/Train the Trainer Sessions: A minimum of three (3) staff trainings per agreement year with preferred training platform determined by MDCPS. These training sessions will support program implementation, management, and continued staff training.
