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Two guests describe searchable resources for families: Kitsune database partners with FCPS; MANSEF explains nonpublic special‑education placements
Summary
At the May CCAC meeting, Jerry Alexandrados demonstrated the Kitsune searchable resources database now integrated with FCPS; a representative of the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) explained referral, tuition and transportation processes when FCPS places students in nonpublic schools.
Two guest presentations at the CCAC meeting focused on expanding resource access for families of students with disabilities.
Jerry Alexandrados, a Kitsune founder, demonstrated a searchable, nonprofit database the group developed to collect vetted local resources for people with developmental disabilities. Alexandrados said Kitsune is free to search and free to be listed, and that the group has added a 'couple of hundred' records and is working with Frederick County Public Schools to replace a static resources list on the district site with a searchable database. "There's absolutely no cost to be on here," Alexandrados said of the listing service.
In questions, committee members asked about search metrics and record counts; Alexandrados said tracking is being implemented but the functionality is not yet complete. He described next steps to expand outreach to organizations in Baltimore and Montgomery counties and said the FCPS web team is working to smooth the district integration.
The meeting also included a presentation from a representative of the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF). The presenter described MANSEF as a voluntary association of roughly 70 nonpublic schools that serve primarily publicly funded students and said the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a continuum of placement options. The presenter explained that if an IEP team determines the district cannot implement a child’s IEP, FCPS may refer the child to a nonpublic program and the district pays tuition and transportation. Committee members raised questions about waiting lists and how families can access the MANSEF directory; the presenter offered paper directories and contact information.
Both presenters emphasized that these resources are designed to help families find services more efficiently; CCAC members asked about data privacy, program vetting and how to connect families to the listings. FCPS staff expressed appreciation for the partnerships and noted ongoing work to integrate the database into district web pages.
