Welcome:
MSAD #15 is committed to providing welcoming, high-quality early childhood special education services for children ages 3-5 who reside in Gray and New Gloucester. We work closely with families to identify strengths and needs, provide appropriate support, and help each child participate and thrive within an educational setting.
Who We Serve:
Our early childhood special education services support:
- Children ages 3- 5 years old
- Children who reside in Gray or New Gloucester
- Children with disabilities who live in the district
- Children with suspected disabilities who live in the district
Services Provided:
In order for children to receive special education services, children must be enrolled in MSAD #15, even if they are attending a community-based childcare center or special purpose private school. Enrollment ensures that the district can provide and coordinate the necessary supports and services outlined in the child’s educational plan. The registration form can be found by clicking here. Please note that for children attending our community partners or special purpose private schools, please select Preschool Special Education. For children attending our public pre-K at Dunn, please select Burchard Dunn Elementary School. Additional documentation required includes:
- Official birth certificate of the child
- Proof of residency
- Immunization records (copy)
- Any legal guardianship, custody, or other documentation, if applicable
Child Find Services:
Child Find is the district’s process for identifying, locating, and evaluating children who may need special education services. Families, caregivers, childcare providers, or community professionals may contact the district with concerns about a child’s development or learning. The referral form can be found by clicking here.
Comprehensive Evaluations:
When a disability is suspected, MSAD #15 may conduct a comprehensive evaluation with family consent and support throughout the process. These evaluations help the team understand a child’s strengths, development, learning needs, communication, behavior, and ability to participate in educational activities. Evaluations may include psychoeducational evaluations, academic/ developmental evaluations, Speech/ Language evaluations, Occupational Therapy evaluations, Physical Therapy evaluations, and/or classroom observations as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
Individualized Special Education Services:
Eligible children will receive special education services designed to meet their individual needs. Services may support areas such as:
- Communication and language
- Social-emotional development
- Learning and thinking skills
- Physical and motor development
- Adaptive and self-help skills
- Participation in classroom routines and activities
Services are developed with families and the rest of the IEP team. These services are provided in the least restrictive environment that best supports the child’s needs.
Service Delivery Options:
Public Pre-K Program at Burchard Dunn School:
MSAD #15 provides integrated early childhood special education services within the public pre-K program at Dunn School for school-age 4-year-olds (children born before October 15, 2022). Additional information regarding the public pre-K program is available here.
Community-Based Placements:
For children who are not served through the public pre-K program, MSAD #15 collaborates with community childcare centers and special purpose private schools, as needed.
The district works with families and community partners to determine an individualized placement based on the child’s needs, services, program availability, and least restrictive environment for the child. MSAD #15 will coordinate all services with community-based placements to meet the child’s service needs.
Contact Information:
Families are encouraged to contact Brianna DiDonato-Duran, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, with any questions or concerns about a child’s development or educational needs at bdidonato-duran@sad15.org or (207) 657-9613.