Families

Information for families and/or caregivers who have young children with disabilities.

If you need more information or do not have your questions answered after reviewing this website, please call 207-624-6660 for help.

  • Referrals - "Child Find" refers to the process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities to ensure that they receive services to which they are entitled. Children who are suspected of having a disability may be referred for a possible evaluation to determine if they are eligible for early intervention/special education services.
  • Maine CDS Sites (by town) - (XLS, 52KB). Find the site serving the town in which the child lives.
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • The Dispute Resolution Office: Assists parents and school districts with the resolution of special education disputes regarding the evaluation, identification, placement, programming, and provision of early intervention services for children birth to two years old, and a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) for 3-5 year-olds with disabilities. See Effective Dispute Resolution for more information.
  • MaineCare - School districts may be required to offer certain medical services to students, often covered or partially covered by Medicare.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
  • Procedural Safeguards -  The Procedural Safeguards set forth in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations are the rights that apply when children are: in the referral process for special education; or, already identified under special education; or, whose parents believe should be identified under special education.
  • Central Directory -  Assistance opportunities within the State of Maine.
  • Established Conditions List - A list of Established Conditions that make children under the age of 3 automatically eligible for Early Intervention Services through Part C.