Special Education
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Special education is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is defined as “specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.”
Maine Special Education Regulation
In Maine, the rule chapter that is specific to the education of children with disabilities is Maine Department of Education Regulations, Chapter 101, Maine Unified Special Education Regulation Birth to Age Twenty (MUSER).
Procedural Safeguards
The Procedural Safeguards set forth in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER) are the rights that apply when children are: in the referral process for special education: or already identified under special education; or whose parents believe should be identified under special education. Please click on a link below for more information.
Special Education Referral Process
If a parent has concerns about their child's program or progress, they should discuss this with their child's teacher and a building administrator. The parent, teacher and administrator will then explore options for addressing the parent's concerns - this could be as simple as classroom modifications to additional supports and services through Title I, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Student Assistance Team or Special Education.
Child Find Notice
M.S.A.D. #6 is required to locate, evaluate and identify any child residing in the district who qualifies for Special Education services. Children eligible for special education include those children with disabilities who have autism, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, or developmental delay and who, because of such impairment, need special education services. If you suspect your child has a disability and may need special education services, or if you would like additional information, please contact the Office of Special Services at (207) 929-2317.