Birth-K

State and federal laws and regulations require identified infants and toddlers with disabilities, birth to three, to receive family-centered early intervention services in accordance with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in their Natural Environment (NE). Students with disabilities, three through 21, are to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

In alignment with the MSDE priorities, the DSE/EIS leads a seamless integrated system that serves children and youth with disabilities from birth through 21 and their families. There is a bold vision that all students, including students with disabilities, will be ready for school, achieve in school, and be prepared for college, careers, and community living as a result of their participation in Maryland’s early intervention and special education programs; and all existing gaps between children with disabilities and that of their non-disabled peers will be narrowed.