The City of Auburn's School Committee meeting on October 1, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the district's early childhood special education program. The meeting featured an update on the CDS (Child Development Services) transition cohort, which is part of a state mandate requiring school districts to take over special services for children aged 3 to 5.

Currently, Auburn has 36 children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including 26 four-year-olds and 10 three-year-olds. Additionally, 28 children are in the child find process, having been referred for evaluation by various sources, including parents and healthcare providers. This proactive approach aims to ensure that young children with special needs receive the support they require.

The Auburn School Department employs a dedicated team for this initiative, including a full-time speech pathologist and two full-time early childhood specialist case managers. There are also two pre-kindergarten teachers who provide special education services in their classrooms. The district is actively seeking to fill two positions for early childhood education technicians and a speech pathologist to enhance its services further.

In a notable logistical effort, the district is in the process of acquiring a van to facilitate transportation for these young learners, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and support for families in the community.

This update reflects Auburn's proactive stance in meeting state requirements and ensuring that its youngest residents receive the necessary educational resources and support. As the district continues to develop its early childhood program, it aims to foster an inclusive environment that addresses the diverse needs of its students.