Better Together : Preschool Inclusion Institute

2026-11-03

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure a vendor to plan , implement , and evaluate a one - day conference on best practices in inclusive early childhood education during the Summer of 2026 . The intended audience is approximately 100 – 150 general and special educators working in early childhood settings ( both public school and community based ) and the leaders of the programs . As a result of the conference , participants should understand the benefits of inclusion for young learners and have concrete strategies to apply in their settings . Responsibilities and Tasks The selected vendor will be responsible for all aspects of the conference , including : 1 ) Reviewing State and local data and other sources of information to determine priority topics and area for the sessions with a focus on inclusive opportunities for preschool - age students in school and community - based settings . 2 ) Developing a schedule that includes a keynote address from a regional or national expert , multiple break - out and small group sessions , and a working lunch . 3 ). Creating a comprehensive set of offerings that includes content designed to address the needs of general educators , special educators , and leaders from all components of the mixed - delivery system ( school - based and community - based , including child care and Head Start providers ) 4 ) Identifying and securing speakers and presenters for all sessions , making all arrangements , and providing payment as agreed by the vendor and the speakers . 5 ) Planning and facilitating a “ working lunch ” during the conference that includes presentations and / or other structured activities designed to advance the goals of the event . 6 ) Managing all logistical aspects of the event , including : • Securing an appropriate , accessible venue in the central Maryland region • Arranging for all needed audio - visual and other technology supports during the event • Arranging for food and beverages for participants within the guidelines of federally allowable expenditures , including providing for participants ’ dietary requirements • Addressing all accessibility needs , including ASL interpretation , CART captioning , or other accommodations required by participants and ensuring that all materials are 508 compliant • Designing , implementing , and managing the registration process • Managing all activities on the day of the event 7 ) Ensuring that content meets the requirement for the Maryland State Department of Education ( MSDE ) Professional Development Points and Core of Knowledge hours and providing participants with appropriate documentation . 8 ) Providing a comprehensive post - event report that includes information about the participants and a thorough summary of evaluation data . 9 ) Seeking input throughout the process from MSDE Division of Special Education staff and making responsive adjustments to content , plans , etc ., including approval of the keynote speaker ( s ) and breakout session topics .

Maryland

2026-05-02