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Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services

Call to Action (Sandbox 2)

Children lined up for a race

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Our call to action is to narrow the achievement gap in Maryland by ensuring students with disabilities receive access to the general education curriculum and specially designed instruction, aligned with evidence-based practices selected and implemented to address each student’s individual developmental, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs within culturally responsive learning environments.

The Department of Early Intervention and Special Education Services works within the context of State and federal laws and policies that govern special education as well as within the broader educational mission of the Maryland State Department of Education to ensure the education and well-being of our children, students, and families. Maryland’s interdependent work with federal, State and local systems, and stakeholders aligns with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in support of our vision that all children are the responsibility of all educators.

This comprehensive system — one which balances the statutory requirements with equal emphasis on programmatic leadership aimed to narrow existing achievement gaps — is focused around the following components:

The Department of Early Intervention and Special Education Services works within the context of State and federal laws and policies that govern special education — as well as within the broader educational mission of the Maryland State Department of Education — to ensure the education and wellbeing of our children, students, and families.
Maryland’s colleges and universities are national leaders in many fields and important partners with the Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services in elevating the performance of our special education system and improving outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Nonprofit and community organizations across Maryland who provide training, resources and other services for children and youth with disabilities and their families are an important part of the Statewide system of supports.
Maryland’s 24 Local School Systems and Local Infants and Toddlers programs and 5 public agencies provide critical Early Intervention and Special Education services to more than 130,000 children and youth and their families.