Child Development Services (CDS)

Make a Referral to CDS

FFY 2023 Part C Grant Application and General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Section 427 Form (Published 3/17/23)
Before submitting its FFY 2023 IDEA Part C Grant Application to the Secretary, Maine must publish its entire Part C application in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the State at least 60 days prior to the date on which the State application is submitted to the Secretary with an opportunity for public comment on the application for at least 30 days during that 60-day publication period. The completed application, with supporting information, must be submitted on or before 5/24/23, to ensure that Maine’s FFY 2023 IDEA Part C grant funds are available for obligation on 7/1/23. Please submit any comments or questions about Maine’s FFY 2023 Part C Grant Application or General Education Provision Act (GEPA) Section 427 form to Jamie Michaud, Part C Coordinator, at Jamie.L.Michaud@maine.gov by 4/30/23.

The Child Development Services system is an Intermediate Educational Unit that provides both Early Intervention (birth through two years) and Free Appropriate Public Education (for ages three through five years) under the supervision of the Maine Department of Education. The CDS system ensures the provision of special education rules, federal and state regulations statewide, through a network of regional sites.

CDS consists of nine regional sites and a state office. The state CDS office maintains a central data management system, system-wide policies and procedures, and provides centralized fiscal services for regional CDS sites.

Regional CDS sites provide case management and direct instruction for families with children from birth through age five. Each site conducts Child Find, which is the process of identifying children with disabilities. Screenings and evaluations are provided in order to identify children who are eligible for services. Regional CDS sites arrange for local services that include early intervention and special education and related services for eligible child from birth to age five and their families.

2022-2023 School Calendar