Social Skills Curriculum for Students with Disabilities

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is seeking a qualified vendor to provide a comprehensive, evidence‑based social‑skills curriculum for students with disabilities, especially those with significant cognitive impairments, covering preschool through age 21. The curriculum must be research‑based, culturally responsive, aligned to Iowa standards, accessible for diverse learners (including AAC users), and include implementation supports, real‑world application activities, and family‑engagement resources. The District will fund a $15,000 pilot and may extend the contract for up to five years based on performance. • Target audience: ~4,700 students with disabilities (preschool‑21) in Des Moines schools • Required deliverables: curriculum materials, teacher guides, student activities, assessment tools, implementation support resources • Mandatory qualifications: evidence‑based design, accessibility, alignment to state standards, cultural responsiveness, support for AAC • Budget: $15,000 for pilot phase; potential renewal for additional years • Contract term: 1‑year initial term, renewable up to four additional 1‑year terms • Submission: electronic PDF via dmschools.ionwave.net by 2026‑09‑22 14:00 CT • Questions due: 2026‑09‑14 16:00 CT • Evaluation: committee review, possible virtual interview, award not necessarily to lowest bidder