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.” Federal Government IDEA Site

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).

Maine Special Education Regulation (PDF, 755KB).

The Yarmouth School Department has a duty 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 Instructional Strategist in your child's building, or call the Director of Instructional Support.

Parent/Student Procedural Safeguards

State of Maine Special Education Site

Shar Mahoney - Director of Instructional Support

Christine Sirois - Administrative Assistant to the Director of Instructional Support

Donjulie Aranha- School Psychologist

Camilla Walker - School Psychologist

James Moran Ed.D - School Psychologist

Kristen Rollins - School Psychologist

Kerry Volk - Physical Therapist

Jessie Moon - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Virtual Classes: https://www.mecdhh.org/resources/asl-families

Parent Connection

Autism Society of Maine, Maine's Developmental Disability Council, and Maine Parent Federation are partnering together to best represent Maine families who have children or adults with special health care needs or disabilities.

We have put together this short survey to inquire about your current challenges, what state agencies and departments are communicating with you, and if the communication has been valuable. Our intention is to be able to take this information to improve our services to your families as well as to be able to advocate for your needs at the state level.

Your time and feedback is greatly appreciated.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Parent-COVID19