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Direct Care Credentials

A Maine Credential is the state's official recognition of your expertise with a specific age group. It says, in a way that's recognized across Maine, that you don't just work in early childhood, you have developed real, documented mastery in your area of practice. If you work directly with children — infants, preschoolers, or school-age youth — one of these credentials likely fits the work you do. New to the field, or working across several age groups? There's a place for you here too; read on.

The Three Direct Care Credentials

MRTQ PDN offers three Direct Care Credentials — each one focused on a specific age group. You pursue the credential that matches the children you work with (click each credential title to learn more information). 

  • Infant Toddler Credential

    For providers working with children from birth through age three. This credential documents your knowledge of infant and toddler development, responsive caregiving, and best practices for the youngest children in care.

  • Preschool Credential

    For providers working with children ages three through five. This credential recognizes expertise in preschool-age development, early learning environments, and school readiness practices.

  • Youth Development Credential

    For providers working with school-age children in out-of-school time settings. This credential recognizes expertise in supporting the developmental needs of children and youth beyond the early childhood years.

What a Direct Care Credential Does for You

Earning a Direct Care Credential advances your level in the Maine Roads to Quality Registry. Your Registry level determines your monthly wage supplement tier through the State of Maine — creating a direct connection between your professional growth and your compensation.

Beyond the financial benefit, a Direct Care Credential represents formal, portable recognition of your expertise. It is the State of Maine affirming that what you know and what you do every day meets a professional standard.

How to Earn a Direct Care Credential

A credential is not where you start — it is the finish line after building a foundation. The process is structured and supported. Here is how it works (click each title to see more information):

Start by completing the required training courses for your credential. You can complete them in any order. These trainings are listed on our training calendar.

Once all of your trainings are complete, you will create an electronic portfolio that demonstrates your competence and reflects on your training and experience. Your portfolio is your opportunity to show what you know and how you apply it in your daily practice.You can build your portfolio independently or join a Credential Portfolio Cohort — a supported group that works through the portfolio process together.

When your portfolio is ready, you apply online through the MRTQ PDN Registry. Before submitting, make sure your Registry profile employment information is up to date. To be eligible, applicants must have at least 480 hours of documented experience working with children in the relevant age group within the past five years.

Once your application, fee, and portfolio have been received, MRTQ PDN will send you a link to the Family Survey. You will use this survey to gather feedback from the families of children in your care — an important part of demonstrating your practice.

After your portfolio is reviewed, MRTQ PDN will schedule an on-site observation. This is your opportunity to show how you have integrated what you have learned into your daily work with children. Reviewers are looking for your practice — not a performance.

Your portfolio, Family Survey, and on-site observation are reviewed together. If approved, your credential is valid for three years. After three years you will have the option to renew.

Not Sure Which Credential is Right for You?

  • If you are just starting out:

    You do not need to have your credential path figured out before you begin. Start with your training — Core Knowledge courses build the foundation for any direct care credential and count toward your Registry level regardless of which credential you ultimately pursue. When you are ready to choose a credential, we can help you figure out which one fits where you are.

  • If you work with more than one age group:

    Providers may pursue more than one Direct Care Credential over the course of their career. Many begin with the credential that best reflects their primary role and add credentials as their practice grows. If you are uncertain where to start, our credentialing team can help you map a path that fits your specific situation.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact our credentialing team at mrtq.contact@maine.edu or 1-888-900-0055