Maine: Statewide district takeover of SPED for 4yos

Feb 6, 2026, Sun Journal: Mt. Blue schools to take on special education services for 4-year-olds in 2026-27

https://www.sunjournal.com/2026/02/06/mt-blue-schools-to-take-on-special-education-services-for-4-year-olds-in-2026-27/

RSU 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington said the pre-K special education program will be handled by the district beginning next school year as part of a statewide transition

FARMINGTON — Regional School Unit 9 will take over responsibility for Early Childhood Special Education services for eligible 4-year-olds beginning in the 2026-27 school year, a major shift Superintendent Christian Elkington outlined during the board of directors meeting Jan. 27.

The change is part of a statewide transition in which Maine school districts are gradually assuming responsibility for Early Childhood Special Education services previously provided by Child Development Services. Districts are being brought into the system in phases, known as cohorts, to allow time for staffing, training and program development. RSU 9 is part of Cohort 3, with the transition scheduled to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.