1990

CMIS began providing regional, collaborative professional development as Project LEARNs. This effort was a response to the initiative to educate all students (including students with multiple disabilities) in the local public schools. Training was provided to staff from all schools in the central Maine region to address issues specific to educating all students with disabilities in the regular education setting. 

1995

The initiative to promote inclusive education statewide emerged and the LEARNs title was assumed by the state organization affiliated with the University of Maine at Orono. The central Maine regional group (under the new title of CMIS) continued to provide professional development to meet the specific needs of the region. The areas of focus changed in response to the needs assessments conducted with educators and service providers in the area to include emotional/behavioral issues, autism and mental health issues.

2002

CMIS began working collaboratively with DHHS (formerly BDS) to facilitate a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of educators and case managers through an ongoing training series, "Building Mutual Respect for Working Relationships". This ongoing series has continued to promote regional cooperation, collaboration and commitment and the utilization of resource, services and personnel for children with disabilities.

2005

The Stakeholder Advisory Board was established with representatives from area schools, state and local agencies, service providers, and community members. The role of the stakeholders is to share ideas and resources to facilitate the effective integration and collaboration of services and agencies to maximize the use of resources for children and families.

2005-2009

CMIS has expanded its professional development opportunities to include significantly more workshop and trainings in response to the identified needs of area educators and service providers. In addition, the Stakeholders and DHHS groups have continued their efforts to work toward increased collaboration and understanding to promote students' academic and behavioral success.

2009-2010

CMIS will continue its regional professional development and interagency collaboration while expanding to include CDS providers as well as increased participation of parents Birth-20.