Running a Program
Leading a licensed early childhood or out-of-school time program is one of the most demanding and consequential roles in the field. Program directors and administrators are responsible for the quality of care their program delivers, the professional development and retention of their staff, the experience of the families they serve, and the financial sustainability of their operation. Maine Roads to Quality PDN is here to support you as you run a program.
Is This Page for You?
This page is designed for directors, administrators, and owners of licensed early childhood and out-of-school time programs in Maine. You may be:
- A child care center director responsible for overseeing a team of educators and support staff
- A family child care provider operating your own licensed home-based program
- An out-of-school time program administrator responsible for staff supervision and program quality
- A professional newly stepping into a program leadership role
If you are an individual provider looking to advance your own career pathway, visit these pages: Already in the Field — What's Next? or Moving Into Leadership.
Staff Development and Program Quality
The quality of a program is inseparable from the expertise and stability of its staff. When staff advance on the career pathway the program benefits in measurable ways.Credentialed staff are more likely to remain in their positions. Staff retention means consistent, stable relationships for the children and families your program serves. A credentialed, stable workforce is one of the strongest contributors to a higher Rising Stars rating — which connects directly to your Child Care Affordability Program reimbursement rate. Investing in your staff's professional growth is investing in your program. MRTQ PDN is here to help you do both.
How MRTQ PDN Supports Programs
Supporting Staff Professional Development
MRTQ PDN's training catalog, credential pathways, and apprenticeship program are available to every member of your staff. Supporting your team's professional development is one of the most direct investments you can make in your program's quality and long-term stability. MRTQ PDN can help you understand what is available and how to make it work within the context of your program.
Program Support
MRTQ PDN's Program Quality Specialists are regionally based ECE professionals who provide direct, hands-on support to programs across Maine. Whether you are working toward a higher Rising Stars rating, navigating a staffing challenge, supporting staff through the credential process, or building the organizational systems your program needs to sustain quality, a specialist is available to help.This support is provided at no cost to your program.
Supporting Staff Credentials
One of the most impactful investments a program director can make is supporting staff in pursuing their professional credentials. A credentialed workforce strengthens the quality of care your program delivers, advances your Rising Stars rating, and gives your staff a concrete and meaningful reason to remain and grow within your program.MRTQ PDN can help you understand how to support your staff through the credential process — including how the credential cohort model works, how to connect staff with the training they need, and what role programs can play in supporting staff professional development.
Director Credential
If you are a program director who has not yet pursued the Maine Director Credential, this is the formal credential designed specifically for your role. It covers program leadership, management, staff supervision, family and community engagement, and quality standards
Rising Stars for Me
Rising Stars for ME is Maine's Quality Rating and Improvement System. Your program's Rising Stars rating affects your Child Care Affordability Program reimbursement rate — which means improving your rating has a direct and measurable impact on your program's financial sustainability. MRTQ PDN can help you understand what drives your rating and identify the concrete steps available to improve it.
Questions?
Our team is here to help you understand what MRTQ PDN has available for your program and how to put those resources to work.