Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education

Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education

The Maine Department of Education - Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education is dedicated to improving results for students with disabilities by providing leadership, support and oversight to local education agencies. The Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education is committed to ensuring the provision of a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities (ages 3 to 22) as well as early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth through age 2). Our work is accomplished through collaboration with families, school districts, public and private agencies, and other programs.

 

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The Responsibilities of the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education include:

  • The collection and analysis of data to inform decision-making, support continuous improvement, and complete state and federal reporting.
  • The protection of the educational rights of children with disabilities through the provision of due process.
  • The distribution of federal special education funding and the assurance that those funds are used appropriately, effectively, and efficiently.
  • The General Supervision and monitoring of Maine’s provision of special education in order to improve educational results and functional outcomes and to ensure that public agencies meet requirements.
  • The provision of informational resources to educators and families, to support the education of children with disabilities.
  • The oversight of Child Development Services and its provision of special education services to children from birth to age five (Kindergarten).
  • The development and distribution of policies, procedures, and technical assistance to the education community.