LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CDS Bill – The Maine DOE’s report recommends a three-year phase-in of the responsibility of educational services for preschool-age children with disabilities from the CDS agency to local school administrative units (SAUs). A pilot year would begin July 1, with several willing SAUs receiving both the funding and the responsibility for the provision of services to preschoolers with disabilities. All SAUs would assume these responsibilities by the fall of 2026. Under this plan, students may be served directly in local public pre-K classrooms or may continue in current placements, with the goal always leading toward full inclusion in the general education setting.

The proposal does not require the establishment or expansion of pre-K programs in local schools, nor does it displace CDS workers or private providers, as all service providers are important partners in ensuring services are available to every child who is eligible. CDS regional service hubs and private community providers who are willing to work with the public schools to ensure services in accordance with federal laws will be critically needed partners to support a successful education system for pre-K students with disabilities.

The State is committed to providing funding to support the transition and to sustain special education services for young children. The Department’s recommended funding model is informed by the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula, with allocations for student subsidy counts flowing through the formula, but with the special education and related services funding remaining outside of the formula, paid upfront in quarterly payments requiring no local share. During the pilot for fiscal year 2025, the funding generated by the formula would be provided outside of the formula at 100 percent state share, since the mill rate and total cost of education have already been established and local budgets are in process. $10 million will be included in the supplemental budget request to cover the costs for special education and related services for these children. The State’s budget will also include $4 million for renovation projects for schools looking to start up or expand pre-k programs.

• CDS Update.pdf