The Maine Department of Educational and Cultural Services (DECS) received funding under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 to develop a state plan for assuring access to a free and appropriate education for homeless children and youth. A second-year grant was to be made to DECS upon submission of a state plan to the U.S. Department of Education; this grant would enable DECS to carry out activities listed in the plan. This publication is divided into five parts. The first part summarizes the mandate of the McKinney Act and Maine's response. The second part describes DECS's decision to seek help from the Human Services Development Institute (HSDI) and other agencies in the development of the plan. The third section provides information on public hearings and focus groups convened for the examination of homeless education issues. The fourth part, "A Plan of Action," presents objectives and timelines for the following goals: (1) assuring access to homeless education; (2) providing technical assistance; (3) establishing community-based case management; (4) increasing public awareness; and (5) establishing a student tracking system. The fifth part consists of the following appended materials: (1) Maine statutes; (2) the Advisory Committee membership roster; (3) a public hearing notice; and (4) the HSDI report executive summary. (AF)