Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education SANDBOX

The Maine Department of Education - Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education is dedicated to improving results for students with disabilities by providing leadership, support, and oversight to local education agencies. The Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education is committed to ensuring the provision of a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities (ages 3 to 22) as well as early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth through age 2). Our work is accomplished through collaboration with families, school districts, public and private agencies, and other programs.

Vision: All Maine students with disabilities have unlimited opportunities to learn and to lead inclusive, purposeful, and fulfilling lives. OSEP language used

Mission: The mission of the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education is to lead Maine’s efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities by ensuring access to inclusive, equitable and high-quality education and services. OSEP language embedded

The Responsibilities of the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education include:

Ensuring that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with exceptionalities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with their typical peers.
The collection and analysis of data to inform decision-making, support continuous improvement, and complete state and federal reporting.
Protecting the educational rights of children with disabilities through the provision of due process.
Federal special education funding distribution and the assurance that those funds are used appropriately, effectively, and efficiently.
The General Supervision and monitoring of Maine’s provision of special education to improve educational results and functional outcomes and to ensure that public agencies meet requirements.
The provision of informational resources to educators and families to support the education of children with disabilities.
The development and distribution of policies, procedures, and technical assistance to the education community.

Additionally, the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education prioritizes:

Supporting a culture of inclusion and belonging for students with disabilities
Developing, supporting, and sustaining a robust educator workforce with a focus on inclusive education
Promoting educational excellence for Maine students with disabilities through high expectations and educational experiences that lead to meaningful post-secondary outcomes