Frederick County Public Schools Launches New Special Education Services Initiative with PCG

Frederick County Public Schools Partners with Public Consulting Group to Enhance Special Education Services

In a significant move to modernize its special education framework, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has partnered with Public Consulting Group (PCG). This collaboration aims to implement EDPlan™, a comprehensive platform designed for managing individualized education plans (IEPs) efficiently. The rollout of this software is anticipated to commence during the 2025-2026 academic year, marking a turning point in the district's approach to special education.

Brooke Bell, Associate Manager at PCG expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, "PCG's Maryland-focused team is excited to partner with FCPS educators and families to bring this transformative platform to life." The EDPlan platform is primarily intended to empower educators and enhance engagement with families, ensuring that students receive tailored support that meets their educational needs.

The importance of this initiative was underscored by FCPS's Director of Special Education, Troy Keller. He highlighted that since joining the district in 2020, it was evident that the existing IEP system was inadequate for the educators and families reliant on it. “With this new platform, we're addressing those concerns head-on by providing a system that is both efficient and adaptable,” Keller remarked. This investment reflects FCPS's commitment to improving the quality of special education and responding to the diverse requirements of its students.

A standout feature of the EDPlan platform is its user-friendly parent portal, which will provide families with access to their children's IEPs in their preferred languages, ensuring comprehensibility and timely communication. This capability allows parents to receive IEPs on the same day they are created, fostering increased participation from families in the educational process.

PCG's history of working with FCPS includes a detailed evaluation of the district’s special education program, reinforcing its strategies and solutions tailored to meet the needs of such programs across the board. This partnership not only emphasizes the innovative spirit of both organizations but also showcases a collaborative commitment to enhancing educational experiences for students with special needs.

Founded in 1986, Public Consulting Group has established itself as a leader in delivering public sector solutions, affecting lives positively across health, education, and human services. With around 2,000 professionals scattered throughout the country, PCG brings a wealth of experience and expertise into educational reform initiatives.

In a landscape where educational needs are constantly evolving, the launch of the EDPlan platform is a bold step towards fostering a more inclusive and responsive educational environment. It serves as a reminder of the potential for technology to transform traditional practices and improve outcomes for students requiring personalized educational interventions. By positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution, FCPS not only seeks to meet the expectations of its current student population but also aims to set a precedent for future generations within its educational framework.

For further information about the project and the EDPlan platform, visit PCG's website at www.publicconsultinggroup.com.