IDEA LINKS Program 2020-21

The Lakewood Board of Education issued a competitive solicitation (CC 05‑2021) for the IDEA LINKS Program, a supplemental special‑education service for non‑public school students with autism in grades K‑3. The award was made to Tender Touch, which must provide four classroom programs, a full complement of qualified teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and a suite of therapeutic professionals (speech, occupational, physical therapy, behavior analysis, etc.). The vendor is responsible for staffing, curriculum, supplies, facility maintenance, and delivering at‑least‑175 instructional days per year, with monthly invoicing and strict reporting requirements. The contract runs from September 2020 to June 2023, with an option for two one‑year extensions. Annual program costs are $1.435 M (no lease) or $1.555 M (including lease). • Scope: Supplemental IDEA services, classroom instruction, therapy, administration, and facilities management for ~48 students. • Staffing: Certified teachers, paraprofessionals, multiple therapists, BCBA, LCSW, coordinators, and support staff. • Financials: Monthly invoicing; annual budget ≈ $1.5 M; total contract value ≈ $4.2 M over 34 months.