Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted the For ME Instructional Programs for early elementary grades (pre-K to grade 2), based on the Boston Public Schools’ evidence-based Focus Curricula. These open-source, developmentally appropriate instructional programs are interdisciplinary and align with Maine’s learning standards.
While Maine schools are responsible for purchasing the materials needed to support the implementation of the For ME programs, lesson plans and other instructional resources are available at no cost through the Maine DOE website. The Maine DOE also provides initial professional learning to support effective use of the programs.
Informational Overview
An informational overview of the For ME programs was held on Monday, February 9, from 3-4:30 p.m. This session provided an introduction to the program structure and reviewed the materials required for implementation. Please find a recording below.
Summer Training
Educators, schools, and early learning programs interested in implementing the For ME programs during the 2026-2027 school year at any grade level from pre-K through grade 2 are encouraged to participate in the initial implementation trainings offered during the summer of 2026.
These trainings are designed to deepen understanding of program design and support successful implementation. School administrators are strongly encouraged to attend alongside their pre-K, kindergarten, first- and/or second-grade teachers. Special educators, education technicians, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders who work with pre-K through grade 2 educators are also encouraged to participate.
There is no cost to attend these summer trainings.
Training Format and Schedule
All trainings will be held in person, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
- The Pre-K for ME training is a two-day training.
- The K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME trainings are three-day trainings with one day in June and two days in July.
Participants should plan to attend all required days for their respective grade-level training.
Training Dates/Locations:
Pre-K for ME:
- July 27 and 28 at Hampden Academy High School Library
- July 29 and 30 at the Randall Student Center, University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) campus in Augusta
K for ME:
- June 24, July 27, and 28 at Randall Student Center, UMA campus in Augusta
1st and 2nd Grades for ME
- June 24 at the Randall Student Center, UMA campus in Augusta
- July 29 and 30 at the Deering Building in Augusta, Room 101
Registration Information
Schools interested in registering educators for these trainings should have a principal or instructional leader complete the training registration on behalf of all participants by May 11, 2026. The registration form allows schools to enroll educators in the Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and/or 2nd Grade For ME trainings. After registration closes, all participants will receive confirmation of participation, along with training locations and preparation details.
For additional information regarding:
- Pre-K for ME—contact Marcy Whitcomb, Maine DOE Public Pre-K Consultant, at Marcy.R.Whitcomb@maine.gov.
- K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, or 2nd Grade for ME—contact Lee Anne Larsen, Maine DOE Early Learning Team Director, at Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov or Nicole Madore, Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, at Nicole.Madore@maine.gov.
State Activities funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $50,000 of which 50% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.
Maine DOE Newsroom 