UCD & Regulatory Systems Liaison

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a consultant to provide expert services for User-Centered System Design (UCD) and Regulatory Systems Liaison. The consultant will facilitate communication and serve as a primary liaison between MSDE, parent and provider committees, and the broader community to ensure local insights influence state-level policy and system design. The consultant will also translate complex COMAR regulations and policy updates into accessible, "plain language" resources and guidance for parents and child care providers. • The consultant will work closely with the Executive Director and Division of Early Childhood leadership to support communication, coordination, and effective service delivery across MD systems. • The consultant will examine administrative procedures and COMAR-based policies to make recommendations for improvements that align with user-centered design principles and practical field application. • The consultant will organize and coordinate innovative community outreach and external relations efforts to strengthen relationships with "trusted messengers". • The consultant will facilitate responsive, accurate, and proactive communication with the community to ensure transparency regarding system changes and regulatory updates. • The consultant will attend and participate in advisory councils, feedback loops, and community functions to maintain visibility and open lines of communication with local early childhood councils and CCRC Hubs. • The consultant will ensure that User-Centered System Design work adequately engages and represents the diverse needs of providers and parents, including foster care and kith and kin parents. • The consultant will lead and facilitate "pressure-testing" sessions where parents and providers simulate using new state systems to ensure they are both COMAR-compliant and user-friendly. • The consultant will assist parents, providers, and community members with inquiries and concerns, helping them navigate state systems and regulatory requirements. • The consultant will support the development of templates, innovative outreach tools, and processes to move the community collaboration initiative forward. • The consultant will update and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on stakeholder input, updated COMAR regulations, and modernized policy frameworks. • The consultant will collaborate with MSDE to identify where regulatory processes can be redesigned to enhance efficiency and stabilize the Early Care and Education (ECE) field.