(1)__To administer the provisions of this section;

(2)__To make recommendations to the commissioner on legislation and rules as may be necessary to improve the early childhood special education program;

(3)__To ensure provision of childfind activities as defined in 20 United States Code, Section 1412 (a) (3) for children from birth to under 6 years of age as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended;

(4)__To ensure that eligible children from birth to under 3 years of age receive early intervention services as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended;

(5)__To ensure that eligible children from 3 years of age to under 6 years of age receive a free, appropriate public education in collaboration with school administrative units whenever possible;

(6)__To employ, through the State Intermediate Educational Unit established under subsection 3 and subject to the approval of the commissioner, professional and other staff necessary to carry out the functions required by this section; and

(7)__To enter into contracts, leases and agreements in the name of the State Intermediate Educational Unit established under subsection 3 that are necessary, incidental or convenient to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under this section, except that the board of directors shall use a uniform provider contract approved by the commissioner and may not enter into any contracts or agreements that extend beyond June 30, 2008.

3.__State Intermediate Educational Unit.__For the period from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008, the State Intermediate Educational Unit is established as a body corporate and politic and as a public instrumentality of the State for the purpose of conducting child find activities as provided in 20 United States Code, Section 1412 (a) (3) for children from birth to under 6 years of age, coordinating the provision of early intervention