Statewide parent information network (SPIN)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded Maine Parent Federation, Inc. five hundred thousand dollars on October 1, 2025, under the Special Education Parent Information Centers program (CFDA 84.328) to operate the Statewide Parent Information Network (SPIN).

SPIN delivers training, information, and resources to parents of children with disabilities to support informed decision-making about education and early learning options, and provides youth with disabilities training and resources on self-advocacy skills and their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The program operates from Farmingdale, Maine, with performance through September 30, 2027. The program purpose encompasses improving results for children with disabilities by ensuring parents receive the training and information needed to make sound choices in their children's education and care.

Maine Parent Federation, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Augusta, Maine, has operated federally-funded parent support initiatives since 2006, serving families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Awards under the Special Education Parent Information Centers program may be renewed annually for up to five years if the recipient demonstrates substantial progress toward project goals, subject to appropriations availability.