If your district is interested in opening a new or expanding a current public preschool program, please refer to the following steps.
- Complete the Maine DOE Preschool Planning Survey available online in the fall of the year before opening. The survey link and deadline are announced in Maine DOE News each September.
- Become familiar with Chapter 124: Basic Approval Standards: Public Preschool Programs.
- Complete the online application and submit it to Maine DOE by April 30 for a fall opening date. A PDF version of the application is also available.
- Applications will be reviewed and districts will be notified by a letter of approval from Maine DOE.
Staff Certification Requirements
Public Preschool Teachers must hold an Early Childhood 081 (Birth–5) endorsement or a conditional 081 endorsement.
Assistant Teachers must hold a minimum of an Educational Technician II Authorization and obtain a Level 4 status on the Maine Roads to Quality Registry within 3 years.
All preschool staff must join the Maine Roads to Quality Registry. MRTQ is the professional development network for all early childhood professionals in Maine, funded through a block grant from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Child & Family Services.
MRTQ offers free or low-cost training — face-to-face, hybrid, and online.
Visit MRTQSupporting Documents & Resources
- CDS/District MOU Template
- District/Head Start:
Sample Contract, MOU 1, MOU 2 - District/Community Partner Sample MOU
- Other Early Childhood Resources — General, state, and national resources related to public preschools.
- Child Care Licensing
- PreK–3 Leadership (NAESP)
Contact
Nicole Madore
Early Childhood Specialist
Phone: 207-624-6677
Email: nicole.madore@maine.gov