The School Board of Clay County is required to provide speech-language services to eligible ESE students by a fully credentialed speech language pathologist. The contracted services will include, but are not limited to, Child Find activities, evaluations, therapies, IEP development and implementations, and consultations.

The speech-language services are required for eligible ESE Students based upon their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Speech-Language Pathologists require specialty training and there is a national shortage of qualified providers. School Districts must contract with private providers so that the district is able to meet the IDEA requirements for a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities.

The district has contracted with EBS Healthcare Staffing Services since prior to 2003. EBS Healthcare Staffing Services has provided high-quality speech-language pathologists to meet the IEP requirements for each student.

Successful outcomes will allow for implementation of IEP obligations for students with disabilities. The contracted services will include, but are not limited to, Child Find activities, evaluations, therapies, IEP development and implementations, and consultations.

Goal 1: Develop Great Educators and Leaders

Strategy 1.3: Prepare all students to be the full option graduates who are prepared for college, eligible to enlist in military services, or able to compete in the workforce. Services are required under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

That the Clay County School Board approve the EBS Healthcare Staffing Services contract for 2021-2022.