Special Education Terms in Maine
What special education terms does Maine use?
Maine uses several state-specific terms in its special education system that differ from federal IDEA terminology and from other states. SAU (School Administrative Unit) is Maine's term for what other states call an LEA (Local Education Agency) — defined in 20-A M.R.S. § 1. Maine uses 'Emotional Disability' (ED) rather than the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' (MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(f)). Maine retains 'Intellectual Disability' following Rosa's Law, consistent with current federal terminology (updated from earlier 'Mental Retardation'). Maine has a state-specific 'Functional Delay' category for children ages 5-9 (MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(o)), not found in federal law. 'Developmental Delay' in Maine applies through age 9 (vs. federal option of up to age 9). The MDOE (Maine Department of Education) is the state educational agency. Maine's Office of Special Services (OSS) within MDOE administers special education policy and monitoring. Maine Chapter 101 references the IEP Team in ways consistent with federal IDEA (34 CFR 300.321). Maine uses 'prior written notice' (consistent with federal terminology) for SAU notifications to parents.
What Maine Requires
SAU (School Administrative Unit): Maine's term for the local education agency (LEA); includes school districts, RSUs, and CSD-area schools (20-A M.R.S. § 1).
Emotional Disability (ED): Maine's term for the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' category, with eligibility criteria aligned to MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(f).
Functional Delay: Maine-specific disability category for children ages 5-9 who demonstrate functional delays not meeting another eligibility category (MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(o)).
Developmental Delay: available for children ages 5-9 in Maine, consistent with IDEA but with state-specified age range (MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(n)).
MDOE: Maine Department of Education — the state educational agency responsible for special education oversight.
OSS (Office of Special Services): the MDOE division that administers special education monitoring, complaints, and technical assistance.
Key Timelines
Developmental Delay and Functional Delay categories apply only through age 9 in Maine; SAUs must reassess eligibility as students approach age 9 (MUSER Ch. 101 § III(20)(n),(o)).