District news
West Bath takes over special education for 4-year-olds
What happened
On January 21, 2026 the board voted 5-0 to take responsibility for special education services (FAPE) for 4-year-olds starting in 2026-27, instead of the state's Child Development Services (CDS). It chose to wait a year on 3-year-olds.
Why it matters to families
Families of preschoolers with disabilities now work with West Bath School instead of CDS. The superintendent said the move gives more state support than waiting, but extra administrative costs must be paid locally, and the school does not offer preschool transportation.
The evidence
The January 21, 2026 minutes describe the readiness self-assessment, the gap in transportation, the recommendation to take on 4-year-olds in 2026-27, and the 5-0 vote. Later minutes (May and August 2026) report the first IEP meetings for 4-year-olds.
The source
January 21, 2026 WBSAU school board minutesSee the full record for West Bath School Administrative Unit.
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