Expert Consultant Services for Early Childhood Curriculum and High Quality Instructional Materials

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, is requesting quotations for expert consultant services to conduct a comprehensive review and alignment of early childhood curricula against the HQIM framework, with bids due February 12, 2026 through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).

Consultants will evaluate no more than 12 published early childhood curricula, assessing standards alignment, knowledge building, support for multilingual learners, cultural responsiveness, Universal Design for Learning, developmental appropriateness, and family engagement opportunities. Deliverables include detailed curriculum reviews with evidence-based assessments, documented examples from instructional materials, narrative justifications using rubric language, ratings summaries, and recommendations for curriculum approval or rejection. Consultants must participate in planning and review meetings and collaborate with other reviewers to build consensus on ratings.

Mandatory qualifications include a bachelor's degree in education or relevant content area; Maryland state teaching certification or equivalent early childhood education certification; strong knowledge of early childhood standards (ELA, math, science, social studies, social-emotional learning, approaches to learning); experience aligning curriculum to standards and selecting materials for young learners; experience designing curriculum-aligned professional development for diverse learners; excellent organizational and communication skills; and proficient computer skills with access to working equipment and internet connectivity. Bidders must disclose all prior work with early childhood education curriculum publishers.

The total contract value may not exceed $49,999 for the entire term, with 499 hours of expert consultant services as the basis for cost calculation. The contract term runs from approximately March 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with no renewal options. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest price after meeting all mandatory requirements. MSDE reserves the right to award contracts to multiple consultants. Consultants work from their own business sites but must be available to travel to MSDE offices for in-person meetings. Billing is conducted monthly for work performed.