Special Education Monitoring Specialist Education Program Specialist I

Location: Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Salary Range: $93,138 - $146,883. State Salary Guidelines may apply for current State employees.

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to implement the Birth – 21 Accountability to Improve Performance (AIP) system, an integral part of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education (DSE) general supervision responsibility under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The AIP process monitors local public provider agencies statewide serving infants, toddlers, young children, and youth with disabilities and their families in the implementation of 20 USC 1400, 34 CFR 300 and 303, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) as it pertains to early intervention and special education services. The process ensures emphasis on requirements closely related to improving educational and functional outcomes for children with disabilities, Birth through 21, by verifying data, examining evidence-based practices, documenting noncompliance, and providing technical assistance for timely correction. These activities raise State accountability on federally specified indicators and directly impact the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) performance determination status of the State.

Responsibilities

• Implements Accountability for Improved Performance (AIP) activities, including:
  • Conducts on-site monitoring activities to determine Local Infants and Toddlers Program (LITP), Local Education Agency (LEA), and Public Agency (PA) compliance with IDEA and COMAR for children with disabilities, Birth – 21.
  • Engages in desk audits of LITP, LEA, and PA data.
  • Reviews documents for sufficiency to determine compliance with IDEA and COMAR.
  • Collects and reviews data to select State and federal requirements requiring verification of compliance.
  • Assists LITPs, LEAs, and PAs in developing processes to ensure compliance and support improved results for children with disabilities.
  • Compiles and drafts formal reports on monitoring results and data-driven self-assessments for improved outcomes and compliance.
• Serves as Division Contact for the DSE State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR):
  • Coordinates and maintains the DSE SPP/APR to support established goals and objectives.
  • Collaborates with other divisions, task forces, work groups, advocacy organizations, and professional organizations as requested.
• Provides lead technical assistance and support to Division Branch Chiefs aligned with the State Performance Plan and for reporting Annual Performance results.

Requirements

• Education: A Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours in Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Experience: Four (4) years of professional administrative experience in or affiliated with special education or early intervention programs.
• Substitution Notes:
  • A bachelor's degree and two additional years of required experience may substitute for the required education.
  • A Doctorate degree in a related field may substitute for one year of required experience.
  • U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or specialty codes may substitute on a year-for-year basis for required experience and education.
• Selective Qualifications: One (1) year of experience in special education monitoring or two (2) years of experience in a special education leadership role at the local level.
• Special Requirements: Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background checks.

Qualifications

• Experience with trends, regulations, policies, and issues governing early intervention and special education programs.
• Experience working with programs addressing LITP, LEA, and PA compliance with IDEA and COMAR for children with disabilities, Birth – 21.
• Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing data and information.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits available.