Child Development Services appoints county native
Aroostook County native Lori Whittemore, M.Ed. has been appointed as the director for the regional Child Development Service site.
Whittemore has been working with young children and their families since 1984. She obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in behavioral sciences and a graduate degree from the University of Southern Maine in educational leadership — special education administration. She has worked as a pre-school teacher, child care center director, child development specialist and has worked for CDS/Cumberland County since 1995.
Whittemore is passionate about ensuring access to evidence-based early intervention and preschool special education services for all children in Maine, regardless of where they live.
The Child Development Services system is an intermediate educational unit that provides both early intervention (birth through 2 years) and free appropriate public education (for ages 3 through 5 years) under the supervision of the Maine Department of Education. The CDS system ensures the provision of special education rules, federal and state regulations statewide, through a network of regional sites.
Regional CDS sites provide case management and direct instruction for families with children from birth through age 5. Each site conducts “Child Find,” which is the process of identifying children with disabilities. Screenings and evaluations are provided in order to identify children who are eligible for services. Regional CDS sites arrange for local services that include early intervention and special education and related services.
The public is invited to an open house on Dec. 10 from 3-5 p.m. at CDS Aroostook’s Office, 985 Skyway Rd., Presque Isle; a tour of the building, information on early intervention services and light refreshments will be provided. For more information on CDS’s services, to make a referral or to inquire about the open house, call 764-4490.
