D.__Monitor the implementation of the rules for regional provider advisory boards;

E.__Make recommendations for policy changes as appropriate to ensure a coordinated service delivery system;

F.__Review and comment on proposed rule changes prior to public notice under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act; and

G.__Provide a forum to address issues relating to services for young children with special needs.

4.__Frequency of meeting.__The advisory committee shall meet as frequently as determined necessary by the committee, but no less often than quarterly.

5.__Chair.__The advisory committee shall elect a chair from its membership.

6.__Decision making.__The advisory committee shall, to the extent practical, make recommendations by consensus.

7.__Staff support.__The department shall provide staff support.

8.__Compensation.__Compensation is not authorized.

9.__Report.__A summary of the activities and recommendations made by the advisory committee must be prepared and submitted annually by January 1st of each year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to the Maine Advisory Council for the Education of Children with Disabilities or its successor organization.

Sec. 3. Appointments. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 7737, subsection 1, the Commissioner of Education shall appoint 1/2 of the initial members of the Child Development Services Advisory Committee to one-year terms and 1/2 of the initial members to 2-year terms. In making the initial appointments, the commissioner shall give preference to the members of the so-called state-level provider/CDS site directors' working group.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the Child Development Services Advisory Committee to provide advice to the Department of Education concerning a comprehensive and collaborative early intervention system of services.