Child Development Services
The Child Development Services (CDS) 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 children from birth to age five and their families.
Follow CDS' Birth to 3 Program on Facebook for updates and resources.
Contact
Katelyn M. Turner
Executive Assistant to CDS Leadership
Phone: 207-624-6660
Email: Katelyn.M.Turner@maine.gov
Contact Katelyn regarding:
- General point of contact between the CDS State Director and internal teams, school administrative units (SAUs), families, and advocacy groups
- Managing the CDS State Director's communications and correspondence
- Coordinating state-level meetings and public engagement activities