Birth - 21 Accountability for Improved Perf. (AIP) Specialist

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

The primary purpose of this position is to implement the Birth – 21 Accountability for Improved Performance (AIP) system that is an integral part of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services (DEI/SES) general supervision responsibility under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The AIP process serves to monitor local public provider agencies (Statewide) serving infants, toddlers, young children, and youth with disabilities and their families in the implementation of the 20 USC §1400, 34 CFR §§300 and 303, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) as it pertains to the provision of early intervention services and special education. The process ensures emphasis is placed on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational and functional outcomes for children with disabilities, Birth through 21, by verifying data, examining the implementation of evidence-based practices, documenting noncompliance with the IDEA regulatory requirements, and providing technical assistance for the timely correction of noncompliance.  These activities raise State accountability on federally specified indicators and have a direct result in how the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) makes a performance determination status of the State.

The primary purpose of this position is to implement the Birth – 21 Accountability for Improved Performance (AIP) system that is an integral part of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services (DEI/SES) general supervision responsibility under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The AIP process serves to monitor local public provider agencies (Statewide) serving infants, toddlers, young children, and youth with disabilities and their families in the implementation of the 20 USC §1400, 34 CFR §§300 and 303, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) as it pertains to the provision of early intervention services and special education. The process ensures emphasis is placed on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational and functional outcomes for children with disabilities, Birth through 21, by verifying data, examining the implementation of evidence-based practices, documenting noncompliance with the IDEA regulatory requirements, and providing technical assistance for the timely correction of noncompliance.  These activities raise State accountability on federally specified indicators and have a direct result in how the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) makes a performance determination status of the State.

·   Engage in desk audits of local infants and toddlers programs, local education agencies, and public agencies data;

·   Review local infants and toddlers programs, local education agencies, and public agencies documents for sufficiency to determine compliance with the IDEA and COMAR as each pertains to infants, toddlers, young children, and youth with disabilities and their families; and

·   Compile and draft formal reports to local infants and toddlers programs, local education agencies, and public agencies on the results of monitoring activities.

Serve as DEI/SES contact for State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) 

·   Coordinate and maintain the DEI/SES SPP/APR in support of the goals and objectives established to meet the individual indicators; and

·   Collaborate with other divisions within MSDE, task forces, work groups, advocacy organizations, and professional organizations, as requested by the Branch Chief or Assistant State Superintendent.

Supports DEI/SES Branch Chiefs

·   Provide technical assistance and support to DEI/SES Branch Chiefs aligned with the State Performance Plan and for reporting APR to OSEP.

Report data-driven self-assessments for improved results for students with disabilities and compliance with prescribed federal and State laws and regulations, and procedures, including meeting all applicable progress reporting timelines.

One year of experience providing leadership and oversight in the development of high-quality individual Family Support Plans (IFSP) and/or Individual Education Programs (IEP).

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position.

If the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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