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How We Support Programs

Running a quality early childhood or out-of-school time program is complex work. It takes skilled staff, strong systems, and access to people who understand what you are navigating. Maine Roads to Quality PDN provides that support — directly, regionally, and at no cost to your program.

ECE Program Quality Specialists

MRTQ PDN's ECE Program Quality Specialists are experienced professionals with backgrounds in early childhood and out-of-school time care. They are based primarily in the regions they serve — which means they know the local landscape, understand the programs in their area, and build real working relationships with the directors and providers they support.Specialists provide technical assistance through virtual and on-site consultation and facilitate peer-to-peer learning networks including Communities of Practice and credential and accreditation cohorts. Their work is grounded in a partnership approach — the goal is not to evaluate your program but to work alongside you to strengthen it.

Meet Our ECE Quality Specialists

Consultation

Virtual and on-site consultation is available at no cost to programs in all regions of Maine.Consultation is individualized support built around your program's specific needs and goals. Your Program Quality Specialist brings expertise and an outside perspective — helping you examine current practices, explore new approaches, and identify concrete next steps. Consultation typically focuses on one or more of the Rising Stars for ME quality standards.

Here is how the process works:

  • You and your specialist meet to identify the focus of consultation and establish shared goals
  • Together you develop a plan with agreed-upon activities, responsibilities, and timelines
  • You implement the plan with ongoing support from your specialist
  • You reconvene to review what worked, what did not, and what comes next

Programs can request consultation on a wide range of topics including:

  • Navigating the Rising Stars for ME application process and meeting program quality standards

  • Developing or strengthening program policies and procedures

  • Designing and arranging your learning environment

  • Pursuing national accreditation through NAEYC, NAFCC, or COA

  • Strengthening family engagement practices

  • Implementing Maine's Early Learning and Development Standards

Program Directors, Administrators, and Family Child Care Owners may request consultation. Our TA Manager will follow up within three business days of receiving your request.Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding state and federal holidays and University-wide snow days.

The Warm Line — Inclusion Support

The MRTQ PDN Warm Line provides preventative, person-to-person support for programs working to successfully include children with special health needs, disabilities, mental health concerns, or challenging behavior.The Warm Line is staffed by professionals with expertise in inclusive practices, disability, children's health and social-emotional development, behavior support, and early childhood mental health. It is designed to be your first call when you have questions or concerns — before a situation becomes harder to manage.Please note: The Warm Line is not a hotline. If your situation is serious and requires immediate intervention, treat it as an emergency and contact 911.Phone and email support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding state and federal holidays and University-wide snow days.

Call 1-844-209-5964
Email: mrtq.warmline@maine.edu