The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities.
Maine is required to complete an application for the IDEA Part B program annually. The General Education Provisions Act requires that the State publish each proposed application in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the state at least 60 days prior to the date on which the plan is submitted or on which the plan becomes effective, with an opportunity for public comments to be accepted on the plan for at least 30 days.
Superintendents, special education directors, special education teachers and others are encouraged to review the application and submit comments.
The application, which covers Maine Fiscal Year 2015 (starting July 1, 2014), is posted on the Maine DOE’s IDEA web page. The Part B budget is projected on the basis of Maine’s award for State Fiscal Year 2014, pending the State’s receipt of the finalized federal award for the coming year.
Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Please send comments to Susan Corrente at susan.corrente@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
CDS is the appropriate agency for your school staff to make referrals if they suspect a child may have a disability. CDS covers the Part B 619 program in Maine, and public schools cover the K-12 population. Please contact CDS Director Cindy Brown at 624-6660 if she can provide any further clarity.
I’m confused. Our school has a Pre-K through 8th grade program. The Pre-K is ages 3 and up. It is not a headstart program, but one that our local administrators put together to help children be ready for kindergarten. If a child is suspected of a disability, we have been told to approach CDS rather than go through the resources available at school (SpEd. and S&L). What is the correct protocol?