“Purpose:
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (DSE/EIS) is seeking a Special Education Liaison who can work up to 120 hours to assist in providing support services to families of children with disabilities who serve in the United States Military and are stationed in Maryland.
Background:
As the State Education Agency (SEA), the MSDE, DSE/EIS has the responsibility to respond to parent requests for information and assistance regarding special education and related services provided by local jurisdictions throughout the State, in compliance with the federal and State regulations that govern services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. In the DSE/EIS, a team of Family Support specialists responds to calls and letters from parents with questions and concerns primarily related to the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Various conditions and situations that are common to military life can complicate the challenges faced by military parents of children who have disabilities. Specialized support is required to assist these parents in the process of obtaining early intervention and special education for their children.
Nature of Work:
In order to benefit military children and youth with disabilities in Maryland, the selected individual shall provide the following as needed and per the request of the Interagency Collaboration Branch Chief or designee:
Serve as a consultant to the Interagency Collaboration Branch as well as the Family Support Dispute and Resolution Branch.
Respond to telephone and email queries from the Interagency Collaboration Branch as well as the Family Support Dispute and Resolution Branch at MSDE, DSE/EIS regarding critical military parent concerns related to their children and youth receiving or requesting infants and toddlers programs or special education in Maryland and provide information, resources, linkages to local, State, and national resources, and support to assist them in resolving issues or concerns;
Develop and maintain a comprehensive working relationship with public and private stakeholders and State agencies to the expand outreach efforts related to mental and behavioral health for military families.
As requested, represent the MSDE DSE/EIS at designated offsite military events;
Develop annual Division sponsored training for school related military personnel; and
As necessary, develop Division reports detailing accomplishments and related activities.
Offeror Qualifications:
A. Essential Requirements:
1. Extensive knowledge of IDEA, COMAR, and the federal regulations.
2. Knowledge of and experience with local school systems in Maryland and the provision of special education and related services.
3. Demonstrate experience in working on child and family focused initiatives that involved multiple public/private child serving organizations in Maryland.
4. Knowledge of the Family Support Services offered in Maryland.
5. Knowledge of the Interstate Military Compaq.
B. Education Requirements:
A master’s degree or equivalent 36-post baccalaureate credit hours of course work in special education or a related field.”
Excerpted from Maryland State Department of Education’s “Maryland Military Special Education Liaison – Rebid”