Maine College of Direct Support

Completion of the Maine College of Direct Support (ME CDS) is required for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) supporting Maine citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The ME CDS replaces the DSP Curriculum to meet the training required under MaineCare Benefits Manual Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29.

Note: Completion of the Maine College of Direct Support (ME CDS) is required for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) supporting Maine citizens with developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and other related conditions as defined in MaineCare Ch. 2, Sections 18, 20, 21 and 29. Workers who obtained their DSP Certificate prior to implementation of CDS are not required to complete the Maine College of Direct Support core curriculum; however, they must maintain continuing education requirements per the applicable section of MaineCare rule, including annual and triennial training requirements.

Access to the Maine College of Direct Support is provided to OADS approved providers of waiver services billing under MaineCare Benefits Manual Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29 under a license issued to the State of Maine. Access is provided solely for the agency named in the access registration. Providing system access for other agencies or employees/contractors of other agencies is prohibited. Access to a learner’s record is permissible for the duration of the learner’s employment or contract with your agency. DSP learners must be employed or contracted by an approved agency. Agencies and trainers may not charge employee DSP learners for system access, training, or credentials.

People receiving Adult Developmental services and their families, natural supports, service providers, agency board members and volunteers, case managers, and others may have access to Maine's College of Direct Support. This access is generally provided through a provider agency. Please review the Maine College of Direct Support Information Admin Guide in the Training Information section of this page for more information regarding access requirements.