Purpose
As the lead agency for Maryland’s early intervention system, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services (DEI/SES) is pleased to present the Local Application for Federal Funds (LAFF) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that makes available a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and Toddlers birth to age 4 with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. School-age children and youth 3 -21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Blueprint) is Maryland’s plan intended to transform Maryland’s education system. increasing education funding, enriching student experiences, and accelerating student outcomes for all students. The foundation to elevate every child to reach their full potential is organized into five (5) pillars; Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education, Pillar 2: High-Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leaders, Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness, Pillar 4: More Resources for Students to be Successful, and Pillar 5: Governance & Accountability. The detailed practices outlined in each pillar are explicit in its support to student groups that are most at risk, including students with disabilities.
The purpose of IDEA funds are as follows:
to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living;
to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected;
to ensure that educators and parents have the necessary tools to improve educational results for children with disabilities by supporting system improvement activities; coordinated research and personnel preparation; coordinated technical assistance, dissemination, and support; and technology development and media services; and
to assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities.
When will the application be open?
This Grant Information Guide was released on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Application Submission Date
Wednesday, June 14, 2023. No later than 5:00 p.m. EST
Customer Service Support Sessions
The MSDE, DEI/SES will hold several customer service support sessions for interested applicants. A link to the virtual meeting will be sent out the week prior to the date to all LEAs. During these sessions, MSDE, DEI/SES personnel will provide technical assistance and guidance specific to grant development and submission processes. The sessions will be on:.
Customer Service Support Session 1
Friday, May 5, 2023
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Customer Service Support Session 2
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Customer Service Support Session 3
Thursday, June 1, 2023
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Questions
If you have questions about the application or the process, please contact the Program Monitor:
A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers will be posted to the MSDE website following customer service support sessions.
Grant Application Timeline
April 28, 2023
Grant application period opens.
April 28 – June 14, 2023
MSDE, DEI/SES programmatic and fiscal teams are available to provide targeted support to LEA planning and implementation.
June 15 – June 30, 2023
MSDE Grants Review Process occurs with feedback and individualized technical assistance.
June 30, 2023
Submission of CCEIS Plans, if applicable.
August 15, 2023
Submission of Local Implementation for Results Plan (LIR)