Specialized Educational Programs

When your child needs additional educational and behavioral support, finding the right learning environment can make a meaningful difference. Across Maine, we offer specialized educational programs that combine individualized instruction, School-Based Adaptive Behavior Services, and related supports to help children participate more successfully in school and daily routines.

What Are Specialized Educational Programs?

Specialized educational programs provide individualized instruction and support for children whose needs may not be fully met in a traditional educational setting. These programs combine education, behavioral support, and related services to help children build academic, social, communication, and daily living skills while supporting success in the classroom and beyond.

Merrymeeting Center

The Merrymeeting Center is our special purpose private school for students in grades K–12 who need a highly individualized educational and behavioral setting. A public school district may refer your child to the program.

Specially designed instruction is combined with School-Based Adaptive Behavior Services and may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and other supports identified by the educational team. Our multidisciplinary team supports your child’s academic growth, communication, social skills, adaptive functioning, behavior, and independence.

Who May Benefit From Merrymeeting Center?

Merrymeeting Center may be a good fit for students who need a more individualized educational environment with integrated behavioral supports and related services to support learning, communication, and daily functioning.

Early Learning Center

If your child is preschool-aged, Child Development Services may refer them to the Early Learning Center for specialized education and school-based Adaptive Behavior Services.

In this nurturing early childhood setting, we support your child’s communication, social-emotional development, adaptive skills, behavior, early learning, and school readiness while partnering closely with you and the educational team.

How the Early Learning Center Supports School Readiness

Through individualized instruction, behavioral support, and developmental activities, we help children build foundational skills that support learning, participation, communication, and a successful transition into future educational settings.

How Do I Get Started?

Referral requirements vary by program. Public school districts may refer eligible students to Merrymeeting Center, while Child Development Services may refer preschool-aged children to the Early Learning Center.

We’ll help you understand available options, answer questions, and connect you with the appropriate program. Find a Maine location near you to get started.

Find a Maine Location

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a specialized educational program may be right for my child?

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A specialized educational program may be a good fit if your child needs more individualized educational, behavioral, communication, or developmental support than may be available in a traditional educational setting. We can help families understand available options and determine which program may best support their child's needs.

What is the difference between Merrymeeting Center and the Early Learning Center?

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Merrymeeting Center serves students in grades K–12 who need a highly individualized educational and behavioral setting. The Early Learning Center serves preschool-aged children and focuses on specialized education, adaptive behavior support, and school readiness skills during the early childhood years.

Who can refer a child to these programs?

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Referral requirements vary by program. Public school districts may refer eligible students to Merrymeeting Center, while Child Development Services may refer preschool-aged children to the Early Learning Center.

What types of support are available through these programs?

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Depending on your child's needs, support may include specialized instruction, School-Based Adaptive Behavior Services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work services, and other educational or behavioral supports identified by the team.

How do children access these programs?

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Referral requirements vary by program. Public school districts may refer students to Merrymeeting Center, while Child Development Services may refer eligible preschool-aged children to the Early Learning Center.