Celebrating National Preschool Teacher Appreciation Day on March 15, 2024

Preschool education is the essential foundation in a child’s developmental and educational journey. Neuroscience has demonstrated that the greatest period of brain development occurs in the preschool years, making high-quality experiences during this time pivotal for supporting life-long learning. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to celebrate National Preschool Teacher Appreciation Day on March 15, 2024, honoring Maine’s amazing public preschool programs and especially the backbone of these high-quality programs which are teachers themselves.

In Maine, preschool represents a lot of different programs funded by the state and federal government including Maine’s Child Development Services (CDS), which provides special education services to preschool and school-aged children through a network of nine regional sites, in addition to Head Start, a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from low-income families with currently 11 programs across the state, as well as the 255 schools in over 165 school administrative units throughout Maine enrolling students in Maine’s amazing public pre-K programs.

“In preschool, children are beginning to develop their identities as lifelong learners, to love school, and to be curious,” said a pre-K teacher at Brunswick School Department. “They become curious about themselves, curious about each other, and curious about the world. Being the first stop in a child’s educational journey is part of the magic of being a preschool teacher.”

Maine is fortunate to have such a robust system for preschool children that is growing larger and stronger every year. The strength of these programs and the very reason they are successful is because of the preschool teachers and their dedication to meeting the needs of Maine children and their families. The return on investment in early education is larger than investments made in adolescence and adulthood, making the impact of preschool educators even more significant.

Here are what some of Maine’s preschool program coordinators had to say about their preschool teachers:

“Our preschool teachers are consistent and caring with the children at the CDS Preschools,” said Heather West, one of Maine’s Child Development Coordinators. “The kids light up when they see their teachers at arrival time, and it shows how important they’ve become to each other. You can tell that the teachers truly care about each child and family they work with!”

“SKCDC is so grateful to have an amazing team of early educators,” said Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation (a Head Start program) Agency Director Cristina Salois. “They bring joy to their work, and children benefit from exploring, experimenting, and discovering indoors and out!”

Child Development Services Coordinator Deb Mullis shared what a parent told her recently, “My child lights up when we pull into the parking lot, and she sees her teacher ready to greet her.”

“Our children have been making tremendous progress toward their IEP [individualized education plan] goals due to the hard work and consistency of the teachers,” added West. “It wouldn’t be possible without the preschool teachers!”

Here are some pictures from preschool programs across Maine:

CDS preschool teachers

Artwork from a pre-K classroom

Children in a pre-K class

Activities in a Pre-K class

Children in a pre-K class

Children in Head Start

Inclusive Education Webinar Series Available: Inclusion for Students with IDD and Complex Needs & Assistive Technology (AT)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education has three upcoming Inclusive Education Webinars Series planned.

Two-Part Inclusive Education Webinar Series: High Leverage Practice to Promote Inclusion for Students with IDD and Complex Needs

This two-part series, hosted by MAIER and the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education, will provide well-structured content on different pedagogies and how high-leverage practice to promote inclusion can be conducted by developing strategies that promote inclusiveness and principles for students with IDD and Complex Needs.

Part 1 Wednesday, March 20th, 4:00 pm – Register here

In this session, presenters describe a practical approach for orienting our teaching practices toward ensuring students with IDD and Complex Needs can construct enviable lives within their self-selected communities. This practical session will meet teachers where they are on their inclusive practice journey and provide simple strategies for taking that next step.

Part 2 Thursday, April 4th, 4:00 pm – Register here.

In the second session, participants will learn new strategies and inclusive approaches necessary for assisting students with IDD and Complex Needs and how to provide intensive supports for students regardless of dis/ability. The session will help the participant to develop action points and strategies necessary for incorporating cultural practices into teaching and learning process.

Presenters (moved up presenter info)

Robert C. Pennington has served as the Assistant Director of Training and Executive Director for the Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC) and currently is an Instructor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Louisville. He earned his PhD at the University of Kentucky and has over 20 years of experience in working with individuals with disabilities and their families in school and communities’ contexts. He has served as a classroom teacher and district technical assistance provider, and piloted Jefferson County Public Schools’ first autism inclusion model (AIM). His research interests include autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysis, writing instruction, and teacher preparation.

Monique Pinczynski is a first generation doctoral student at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in Special Education. She was previously a classroom teacher in Henderson, NV where she taught students with autism and extensive support needs as well as students with learning disabilities. Monique earned her B.S. and M.Ed. in Special Education at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she also attained her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. Her research interests include implementing evidence-based practices with students with autism and extensive support needs with a focus on communication as well as supporting teachers in this area.

Inclusive Education Webinar Series: Dispelling Myths about Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Services

Want to learn more about assistive technology use in the classroom to benefit all learners? Recent guidance on the myths and facts surrounding assistive technology was released from the federal government which supports reducing barriers that often lead to a lack of utilization of AT. This webinar, hosted by Maine CITE and the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education, and led by Maine CITE director, Jessi Wright, will guide educators, administrators and ed techs through the latest AT information and provide insights on moving toward a more inclusive education environment.

This will be a two session event – March 12th from 4-5pm will include the overview of the myths and March 19th from 4-5pm will be an open forum for the public to come for conversations about the use of assistive technology in schools. Register here.

For more information or questions on either of these opportunities, contact Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov

Inclusive Education Webinar Series: Dispelling Myths about Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Services

Want to learn more about assistive technology use in the classroom to benefit all learners? Recent guidance on the myths and facts surrounding assistive technology was released from the federal government which supports reducing barriers that often lead to a lack of utilization of AT. This webinar, hosted by Maine CITE and the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education, will guide educators, administrators, and ed techs through the latest AT information and provide insights on moving toward a more inclusive education environment.

This will be a two-session event:

March 12th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm will include the overview of the myths.
March 19th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm will be an open forum for the public to come for conversations about the use of assistive technology in schools.

For more information or questions, contact Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov

Making Math Meaningful For All: Math4ME is Accepting Applications for Newest Cohort

Math4ME is a free, three-year, whole-school project designed to support all educators (classroom teachers, special educators, ed techs, and interventionists) to strengthen math proficiency for all learners with a specific focus on increased math proficiency for students with math IEP goals. The project will focus on building positive math school communities and classrooms, mathematical content and pedagogical skills, supporting inclusionary practices, increased family engagement, and formative assessment including the Early Mathematics Diagnostic Interview (EMDI).

For more details about the Math4ME project check out the informational video.

We are accepting applications for the 2024-2025 cohort until April 5, 2024. Math4ME Application

We will hold a virtual informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Register here in advance for this meeting.

For questions or more information contact Susan Hogan, susan.hogan@maine.gov or Jen Robitaille, jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov.

Save the Date: Math4ME Informational Session on March 20th

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education is hosting a Math4ME Informational Session on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 4:00-5:00 PM virtually via Zoom.

Math4ME is a free, three-year, whole-school project designed to support all educators (classroom teachers, special educators, ed techs, and interventionists) to strengthen math proficiency for all learners with a specific focus on increased math proficiency for students with math IEP goals. Interested educators, including administrators, should attend the informational session to hear about the project goals, ongoing supports, application process, and to ask any questions about the Math4ME Project as we begin to accept applicants into the 2024-2025 cohort.

For more information about Math4ME, visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/math4me. For further questions, contact Susan Hogan at susan.hogan@maine.gov or Jen Robitaille at jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov.

Webinar: Becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment or an Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Please join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, and Catholic Charities Maine for a joint presentation about how to become a teacher of students with visual impairments or an orientation and mobility specialist.

Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree? Would you like a free Master’s degree? Do you enjoy working with children? Do you like variety in your job settings and enjoy travel? Are you looking to expand your professional skills? If you answered yes to these questions…

Please join us for a webinar to learn more about becoming a teacher of students with visual impairment or an orientation and mobility specialist.

Tuesday, January 30th
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Held virtually via Zoom – Register here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This webinar will be recorded for you to view at your convenience.

For additional information or questions please contact Amanda Castner at amanda.castner@maine.gov.

MaineCare in Education Bootcamp

Please join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of MaineCare Services for MaineCare in Education Bootcamp. This one day workshop is presented in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual opportunities on February 9th and 16th from 10 – 2 pm at the DHHS Building located at 109 Capital Street in Augusta. In person attendance is limited to 40. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Lunch will be on your own.

Topics covered will include:

MaineCare basics
MaineCare covered service
reimbursement opportunities
IEP documentation
day treatment support
transportation
interpreter services
nursing services
how to start billing
MaineCare SEED
EPS School health-related services
technical assistance opportunities

Intended Audience: SAUs, SPPS, anyone accessing Maine CARE in schools

For questions or more information contact Amanda Castner at Amanda.castner@maine.gov.

Webinar: Culturally Responsive Practices in Special Education

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and its partners at Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources (MAIER) invite you to join Penn State University’s Dr. Jonte’ C. Taylor (JT), for a webinar on Culturally Responsive Practices in Special Education. This LIVE session will provide well-structured content on different pedagogies and how teaching and learning can be conducted by developing strategies that promote environmental characteristics and principles for students with disabilities in inclusive settings.

Participants will learn the importance of developing cultural practices in special education and how to provide intensive support for students regardless of dis/ability. The session will help the participant to develop action points and strategies necessary for incorporating cultural practices into the teaching and learning process.

The webinar will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd from 4:00 – 5:00 pm via Zoom (a link will be provided to you once you register)
Register here NOTE: This webinar will NOT be recorded, you need to attend to see the webinar.

Dr. Jonte’ C. Taylor (JT) is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education in the College of Education at Penn State University. He taught for approximately 10 years with various populations from PreK to Adults in settings ranging from inclusive classrooms to residential treatment facilities. His research interests include science education for students with disabilities, evaluating innovative classroom practices, and bullying issues for students with Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. His most recent publication Mixtape Volume 1: Culturally Sustaining Practices Within MTSS Featuring the Everlasting Mission of Student Engagement was published this year.

NOTE: There are additional learning options regarding this topic from MAIER. MAIER has 5 hours of free, online/asynchronous learning modules from Dr. Taylor HERE. You can take these online learning modules before or after the webinar. You can get UMaine contact hours for these online learning modules once you complete the modules and an evaluation.

For additional information contact Sarah Howorth at sarah.howorth@maine.edu

Dyslexia Resources for Schools: Screener Reimbursement Project & Free Dyslexia Awareness Kit

Dr. Sally Shaywitz states in Overcoming Dyslexia, “The human brain is resilient, but there is no question that early intervention and treatment bring about more positive change at a faster pace than an intervention provided to an older child. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the quicker your child can get help, and the more likely you are to prevent secondary blows to her self-esteem.”

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. A secondary consequence may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

In 2016 the Maine Dyslexia Screening Statute went into effect. In this statute it is stated that each school administrative unit shall screen for dyslexia all students from kindergarten to grade 2 who are identified as having difficulty in phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships (phonics), alphabet knowledge, decoding, rapid naming or encoding. If a student in kindergarten through grade 2 has a weakness in any one of these areas the student screening must include an examination of the student’s:

Phonological and phonemic awareness
Sound-symbol recognition
Alphabet knowledge
Decoding skills
Rapid naming skills and
Encoding skills

To support the work of early screening and early intervention the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education is pleased to announce a second year of the Maine Dyslexia Screening Project. This project is designed to support schools in a one-time reimbursement opportunity of up to $4,500 towards a high-quality screener for the 2023-2024 school year. For more information about the evidence needed for reimbursement and the video overview please visit the 2023-2024 screening page here.

If you have additional questions please contact Dee Saucier at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov or Anne-Marie Adamson at anne-marie.adamson@maine.gov.

Sign Up for a Free Dyslexia Awareness Kit

As part of our expanded efforts to improve communication and deepen understanding about dyslexia screening and supporting struggling readers we are offering one free dyslexia awareness kit to each school in Maine. The kit includes a copy of Conquering Dyslexia: A Guide to Early Detection and Intervention for Teachers and Families by Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, IDA information sheets and informational articles and links.

To request a kit for your school please complete this request form. If you have additional questions, please contact Dee Saucier at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Filing of Targeted Revisions to Rule Chapter 101: Maine Unified Special Education Rule (MUSER)

Public Law 2023, Chapter 450 amends 20-A MRSA §7001, 7002, 7258, and 8305 to amend the upper age limit to under 22 years of age, changes hearing impairment to deafness, including hearing loss, changes serious emotional disturbance to emotional disability, and changes deafness and blindness to deaf-blindness. Public Law 2023, Chapter 450 also amends outdated language by changing the term pupil evaluation to individualized education program. These changes are now reflected in the revised MUSER.

With respect to the change initially made by emergency rule, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) determined that the funding structure previously outlined in Section XVIII.3.C(2) of MUSER for private schools that serve exclusively students with disabilities (“special purpose private schools”) was causing those schools to limit or cease operations, leaving some of Maine’s most significantly impacted children without the educational placements they are entitled to by law. Further breakdown of this critical component of the continuum of educational placements would leave the State unable to maintain compliance with IDEA and MUSER. This problem was initially resolved with the emergency rule filing of July 7, 2023. The Department seeks to make the change permanent in this rulemaking process.

This amendment makes those changes and no others.

As required by law, a period of public comment opens October 25, 2023 through November 27, 2023. Written comments may be submitted to Maine DOE Rulemaking Liaison Laura Cyr, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333; 207-446-8791 or laura.cyr@maine.gov until 5:00 pm November 27, 2023. For documentation purposes, written comments are preferred.

In addition, a public hearing for the revised Rule Chapter 101 will be held in person and virtually on November 17, 2023, from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Burton Cross Office Building, located at 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine 04333, Room 103. As space will be limited, participants are encouraged to attend virtually through Zoom, using this link:

Topic: Rule Chapter 101 Public Hearing
Time: November 17, 2023, 3:00 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 823 5264 8387
Passcode: 56401141

Timeline for Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 101 – Major Substantive