Week of the Young Child®: Tuesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

The Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. This week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.

This year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is teaming up with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Tuesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Chris McLaughlin, Penquis CAP and Waldo CAP

“I am very committed to building a strong emotional foundation for our youngest learners, so they have the support and tools needed to thrive from the very start,” McLaughlin said.

Courtney Wood, Down East Family YMCA

“I love the children, the families, the community that child care creates for everyone,” Wood said.

Crystal Parritt, YWCA Central Maine

“I love being an important part of children’s educational and social foundation to become life-long adult learners,” Parritt said.

Crystal Stanley, Alfond Youth and Community Center

“I love being a preschool teacher and preschool coordinator because I get to witness children grow and develop,” Stanley said.

Cynthia White, KidsPeace

“Nothing feels better than watching a child realize they are succeeding,” White said.

Daron Stryker, Smarty Pants Preschool

“In what other profession do you get to come to work every day and feel loved and appreciated by these amazing tiny humans?” Stryker said.

Darlene Bruns, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center

“I love what I do because I inspire new educators to enter the early childhood education field and help them navigate what they would like to do,” Bruns said.

Deborah Perreault, Child Development Services Preschool – Gray

“Being in a position where I can help guide children on their learning journey is an absolute joy and privilege,” Perreault said.

DJ Adams, Alfond Youth & Community Center

“Being able to watch children learn and grow and experience their personalities bloom is why I love working with children,” Adams said.

Elizabeth Cote, Falmouth Elementary School

“I love teaching pre-K because I get to witness the incredible growth and development of young children every day,” Cote said.

Erin Gaudette, Dayton Consolidated School

“I am grateful to serve children with a nurturing, caring, play-based learning environment to instill a positive first-year school experience as a classroom family,” Gaudette said.

Eva Lowerre, Laugh & Learn Preschool

“I have always liked what I do, but it was not until I moved to an island in Maine that I really, really loved what I do,” Lowerre said.

Grace McIntyre, Grace’s Busy Bees Learning Center

“I love what I do because one thing that will never change is that each day in the classroom is never the same as the last. That even goes for the business side of the operations,” McIntyre said.

Gabrielle Flewelling, Toddle Inn Child Care

“I love watching how proud a child gets when they have mastered a skill that was tricky for them and watching them grow a love and excitement of learning!” Flewelling said.

Hailey Dellarma

“I like to encourage children to try new things, make learning fun, and watch their confidence soar as they succeed,” Dellarma said.

Hanna Goodwin, Roselyn North Academy

“I’ve been in this field of work for almost eight years, and what has always been the best part for me is watching children become more confident within themselves,” Goodwin said.

Heather Bowen, Camden-Rockport Elementary School

“I am grateful to laugh and learn alongside my preschool students every day as I nurture their natural curiosity and sense of wonder for our outdoor spaces,” Bowen said.

Jackie Thibodeau, Educare Central Maine

“I know I am making a lasting impact on the lives of my students and their families through the connections and experiences we share,” Thibodeau said.

Jacqueline Duclos, MSAD 35

“The work that I do in the classroom gives me so much joy and truly impacts my life in every way,” Duclos said.

Chelsea Brewer	“Chelsea is an invaluable teacher and resource in early childhood education in Maine,” Brewer’s nominator said.
Chase Warren	“Chase consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to helping children overcome challenges and build the necessary skills for everyday activities, from fine motor coordination to self-care tasks,” Warren’s nominator said.
Cindy Lapointe	“Cindy is incredibly thoughtful, supportive, and reassuring,” Lapointe’s nominator said.
Cissy Jellison	“Childcare is hard to come by these days, but Cissy has built an amazing program to serve the children and families of this community,” Jellison’s nominator said.
Crystal Oliver	“Working with children and families to navigate the intricacies of early childhood education, particularly in special education, to best meet their needs is some of the most meaningful work,” Oliver said.
Danielle Pendleton	“The best part of my job is honestly playing with the children and knowing it isn’t just play to them; this is how they learn best – and watching them grow, as they develop more skills, and seeing their faces bright and shining with pride,” Pendleton said.
Danielle Ridlon	“Early care is such an important part of a young child’s development. I am proud to be a resource for families,” Ridlon said.
Delores Alberico, D’s Daycare	“I love what I do because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, including my own,” Alberico said.
Demika Stowe	“Demika is always in tune with children’s needs beyond the academic profile,” Stowe’s nominator said.
Donna Hinkledire, Children’s Center of Augusta	“I love to watch the excitement in the students’ eyes when I bring out a new toy or a favorite toy,” Hinkledire said.
Emily Gravel	“Emily is an amazing preschool teacher. She is creative, patient, and kind. She truly loves her job, and it shows!” Gravel’s nominator said.
Emma Boone	“She is always working to come up with new strategies for learning,” Boone’s nominator said.
Erin Ketcham	“From day one, Erin has made it clear that her number one priority is helping kids and their families get connected with resources and providers in their communities to ensure the kids are getting what they need,” Ketcham’s nominator said.
Haley Small, Somerset Preschool Inc.	“She is an instrument of laughter while maintaining a pillar of understanding for children, staff, and families,” Small’s nominator said.
Hannah Gundersdorf	“Hannah always puts her students’ best interest first. Her students feel safe and cared for, as they pursue their academic journey,” Gundersdorf’s nominator said.
Hannah Marshall	“She goes over and above to support my little guy and to make flexible options for him when he’s having struggles,” Marshall’s nominator said.
Heather Thurlow	“She is a dedicated professional who pours her heart into her work,” Thurlow’s nominator said.
Heather Umel	“Ms. Heather is more than caring and kind; she is empathetic and understanding,” Umel’s nominator said.
Heidi Campbell, Whatever Is Clever Family Child Care	“I love what I do because no day is ever the same. Children are very entertaining, keep you laughing, and keep you on your toes,” Campbell said.
Isabella Rand, Sacopee Valley Elementary School	“I love being able to show up for my students and them knowing they have me in their corner,” Rand said.
Jacky Swindler, First Step Learning Center	“There’s something truly magical about witnessing the growth and development of children,” Swindler said.

Week of the Young Child®: Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

This year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is teaming up with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Aileen Breault

“Day by day, it is a growing, wonderful feeling for me, realizing that I am actually doing something inspiring and [providing] meaningful learning development for each child in my class,” Breault said.

Allyson Barnard, Starfish Academy

“I love being able to create an inclusive environment with my incredible staff that supports early intervention and the social-emotional growth for all children who attend our academy,” Barnard said.

Allyson Casares, Libby Tozier School

“I love being able to use my creativity and my compassion for the young child in order to start them off with a strong foundation of academic and social-emotional skills,” Casares said.

Amanda Cyr, Roselyn North Academy

“I love being a daycare teacher because I get to be a source of stability and care in a child’s early years, shaping their love for learning,” Cyr said.

Amber Smith

“Amber is a skilled, loving, gentle preschool educator. We have been fortunate to have her care for both of our children,” Smith’s nominator said.

Anna Dodge, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care

“There is something so fulfilling in life, knowing you are actively shaping kids’ lives,” Dodge said.

Annabelle York, Albion Elementary School

“As early educators, we play an instrumental role in guiding children through their emotions and fostering friendships,” York said.

Ashley Bottomley, Tiny Toes Childcare

“When I wake up every morning, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Bottomley said.

Beth Glidden, Little Buddies Child Care, LLC

“It is about having a good day but not just for the children. Having a team that knows that their time and family matters and are there for one another is seen in their passion every day, as they have a good day,” Glidden said.

Brianna Carr, KidsPeace – Old Town

“I love the field I work in because every day I’m here, I get inspired by the resilience and strength of the future generation we serve,” Carr said.

Brianna Thomas, Miles of Smiles Childcare and Preschool

“I love bringing magic into the classroom and creating a hands-on learning experience for all children to flourish,” Thomas said.

Brittany Woolley, Smarties Early Learning Center

“I love being a positive influence on children’s lives, modeling kindness, patience, and to love learning, but my favorite part about my job is making a difference in the children’s lives that I work with,” Woolley said.

Brook Cruz, Pumpkin Patch Preschool and Childcare

“I enjoy getting to know each and every child, along with creating a successful learning experience that is suited for each individual child’s needs,” Cruz said.

Caroline Saucier, Gallant Therapy Services

“I am overjoyed to be part of something truly extraordinary, where I can nurture and guide young individuals toward their full potential and independence,” Saucier said.

Charlotte Jacobs, Seedlings to Sunflowers Non-Profit Childcare and Family Center

“As I enter my 14th year in the field of early childhood education and care, I believe that we can help children to become life-long learners in our approaches to teaching,” Jacobs said.

Alexis Tozier	“Alexis is the lead teacher behind our work to provide special education services to all 3- and 4-year-olds in our district,” Tozier’s nominator said.
Alicia Grindle	“She makes sure that every child is seen and heard and works hard to give them a positive experience and a safe place to express themselves,” Grindle’s nominator said.
Allison Keenan	“Allison deserves this honor because she works daily with preschoolers who have special needs,” Keenan’s nominator said.
Alyx Carbone, Spring Point Children’s Center	“It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of a family’s village, sharing moments of celebration when their children reach new milestones,” Carbone said.
Amanda Barnes, Cornerspring Montessori School	“I love watching the children learn and grow. The children bring so much joy to my life. They teach me independence, patience, kindness, and love daily,” Barnes said.
Amanda Jolly, St. Louis Child Development Center	“It makes it all worth the craziness when I walk in every morning, and they run and hug me every morning,” Jolly said.
Amber Dawn Doiron	“Amber Dawn approaches each family with empathy, a smile, and a perspective that affects change in many families’ lives,” Doiron’s nominator said.
Amber Lombardi	“Amber started Mainely Teeth, a non-profit mobile dental clinic, to bring community access to quality dental care,” Lombardi’s nominator said.
Angela (Angie) Tibbetts	“The love and care Angie has for every student at Jumpin’ Jax is evident every morning at drop-off and every evening at pick-up,” Tibbetts’ nominator said
Anita McCurdy, Anita’s Home Childcare	“I love working with children of all ages, but the younger ones are my favorite,” McCurdy said.
Ann Chase, Kate Furbish Elementary School	“I love being part of the amazing pre-K team at Kate Furbish Elementary School. They are some of the most supportive and dedicated educators I have ever worked with,” Chase said.
Ann Goodwin	“She opens her home to every family she provides care for and each of the children are ‘her children,'” Goodwin’s nominator said.
Anne Bachner, Bachner Beginnings Family Child Care	“I feel that children deeply benefit from being around friends of different ages and abilities, and it is a joy to watch them teach and help each other,” Bachner said.
Annie Boitz	“Annie plans so many wonderful enriching activities for the toddlers in her classroom and focuses on nurturing their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development,” Boitz said.
Annie Colaluca	“Annie works tirelessly to improve the quality of care for not just children in our program at the Bath Area Family YMCA but across the state,” Colaluca’s nominator said.
Annie York	“Annie commits to making sure all her students have all the tools necessary to make sure they are successful and goes out of her way to make learning fun for her students every day,” York’s nominator said.
Ashley Stanley	“Ashley Stanley is an amazing educational leader who teaches kindergarten at the Tremont Consolidated School. She is passionate about Early Childhood Education and the needs of all students,” Stanley’s nominator said.
Barbara Koch	“She creates a safe space for them to melt down or to be happy, to stim without judgment, and she loves them without judgment. She is really great in the community with advocacy, as well,” Koch’s nominator said.
Becky Lewis	“Becky is a great team member and extraordinary teacher,” Lewis’ nominator said.
Bri Mayberry, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care	“I have worked in this field for almost 15 years, and I have loved it every step of the way,” Mayberry said.
Camelia Babson-Haley, Youth and Family Outreach	“I love what I do because I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families who face significant challenges,” Babson-Haley said.
Catherine Laweryson, Mobius Inc.	“As a children’s case manager, I love helping parents and guardians with accessing needed and beneficial resources,” Laweryson said.
Catherine Thompson, Patricia A. Duran School	“I love teaching pre-K for so many reasons, but the most important one is the children I get to see every day!” Thompson said.
Charlotte Ala	“This educator has shown patience and understanding during difficult situations. She is an amazing role model for future educators and always shows compassion for others,” Ala’s nominator said.

REMINDER: Webinar Series Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Maine Youth Thriving is hosting a series of free, virtual (via Zoom) and in-person professional development sessions throughout the next several months in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services.

These sessions will focus on:

Ways in which adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
Ideas for supporting a stronger focus on positive experiences and for building resilience for young children, and
Strategies for how educators can address compassion fatigue and build their own resilience.

Descriptions of all available programs can be found here. Each session offers two contact hours. Registration is required, and links to each session are provided in the table below. There is no cost to attend sessions.

Date/Time	Program and Registration Link
In-person: Friday, April 18, 9-11 a.m. in Augusta	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Wednesday, May 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Register here.
Virtual: Tuesday, October 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Tuesday, October 21, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Register here.

For more information, please contact Nicole Madore, Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, at nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Resources for Celebrating the Week of the Young Child, April 5-11

The Week of the Young Child is almost here! Mark your calendars for April 5-11, 2025.

The Week of the Young Child is a national movement sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), promoting the importance of high-quality early learning. This year, the week takes place from April 5 through the 11. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services have teamed up to recognize outstanding early childhood professionals nominated by their peers across the state.

Maine schools can also join the celebration and promote the vital work of early childhood professionals who are working in childcare programs and pre-K-grade 3 elementary classrooms by participating in Week of the Young Child daily themes.

Each day of the week will focus on a theme related to whole child development and playful learning:

Music Monday
Tasty Tuesday
Work Together Wednesday
Artsy Thursday
Family Friday

As Fred Rogers wisely said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

When focusing on the whole student, ensuring the early childhood years are filled with opportunities for play fosters growth across all domains of development, including creative arts. The Week of the Young Child themes lend themselves well to encouraging playful learning to support all domains of children’s development.

For more information about how to bring the 2025 Week of the Young Child to your early childhood setting, please visit the NAEYC website.

Please be on the lookout for 2025 Outstanding Early Childhood Professional Spotlights the week of April 7 in the Maine DOE Newsroom, in the Maine DOE Update (subscribe here), and on Maine DOE social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Pre-K Partnership Specialist Michelle Belanger at michelle.belanger@maine.gov.

Summer Training Pre-Registration Open for the For ME Instructional Programming

Pre-registration is open for the For ME Instructional Programming summer trainings.

Schools interested in registering educators should have a principal or instructional leader complete the form to indicate interest in summer trainings by May 16, 2025. In mid-May, schools that have expressed interest will be contacted to confirm participation and provide attendee details. Additional information on training locations and preparation requirements will be shared then.

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted open-source For ME Instructional Programming for early elementary grades, based on Boston Public Schools’ evidence-based Focus Curricula. These programs are developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary focused, and aligned with Maine’s learning standards.

Pre-K for ME was launched in 2019.
K for ME was launched in 2021.
1st Grade for ME was launched in 2023.
2nd Grade for ME is being piloted in Maine classrooms currently and will be available for the 2025-2026 school year.

While Maine schools are responsible for purchasing instructional materials, lesson plans and supporting documents are freely available on the Maine DOE’s website. Additionally, the Maine DOE provides initial training to support successful implementation.

Informational Overview

An informational overview of the programs was held via Zoom on January 23, 2025. The session covered program structures and materials needed for implementation. Educators unfamiliar with these programs are strongly encouraged to view the recording here.

Summer Training

Educators, schools, and programs implementing For ME programs in the 2025-2026 school year (pre-K to grade 2) are invited to in-person trainings to build program understanding and implementation success.

Who Should Attend:
- School administrators (strongly encouraged)
- Teachers of pre-K, kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade
- Special educators, education technicians, and instructional coaches/curriculum leaders working with pre-K to grade 2 teachers
Training Details:
- Time: Approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day
- Cost: Free
- Schedule:
  - Pre-K for ME Initial Training: July 28 and 29 at Hampden Academy; July 30 and 31 in Falmouth on Mackworth Island
  - K for ME Initial Training: July 28 and 29 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
  - 1st Grade for ME Initial Training: July 30 and 31 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
  - 2nd Grade for ME Initial Training: July 30 and 31 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
  - Refresher Training for Pre-K Teachers:
    One-day refresher trainings will be offered in mid-August (between August 11 and 22) for teachers who have previously completed the initial Pre-K for ME training.

Don’t forget to complete the summer trainings interest form by May 16, 2025!

For additional information about Pre-K for ME, please contact Marcy.R.Whitcomb@maine.gov.

For additional information about K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME, please contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov.

Free Emergent Literacy Facilitator Training for Early Childhood Educators – Application Deadline Extended

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is offering a free professional learning opportunity for educators interested in becoming trained facilitators of professional learning communities (PLC), focused on emergent literacy for children ages 3-6.

The Professional Learning Community (PLC): Emergent Literacy modules support preschool and kindergarten teachers in implementing evidence-based language and literacy strategies. Designed to foster collaboration, these modules guide early childhood educators through discussion, hands-on activities, and reflective practice with peer and facilitator support.

The PLC includes four modules: Print Knowledge, Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, and Oral Language. Each module consists of three sessions (12 total sessions), with flexible scheduling options. Facilitators will receive comprehensive materials, including a participant guide, a facilitator guide, a PowerPoint presentation, and videos. While groups of six to 12 teachers are recommended, larger groups may be accommodated, if engagement is maintained.

The ideal facilitator will be an educator with a strong understanding of emergent literacy, effective communication skills, and the ability to relate well to adult learners. Experience with group facilitation will be useful for the success of the facilitator.

Facilitators will participate in a day-long training session on May 14 in Augusta (travel costs covered) and a virtual training in early June. Between May and November of 2025, they will be expected to facilitate at least two PLC modules with at least six Maine educators in their regional area. They will be compensated $500 for each module that they facilitate between May and November of 2025. If facilitators want to seek compensation for facilitating more than two modules, they will need to seek prior approval.

This professional learning opportunity is sponsored by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG), B-5, a collaboration between the Maine Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.

To apply, please complete this application. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 7, 2025.

For additional information, please contact Renee Reilly, Maine DOE PDG Manager, at Renee.A.Reilly@maine.gov.

The Success of Together for ME at the Brunswick School Department

In the fall of 2019, the Brunswick School Department enthusiastically launched its initial public pre-K classroom. The first matter of business after hiring an amazing early intervention teacher was the decision about curriculum. Founding pre-K teacher Brigitta Valente recalled, “We feel strongly about how play offers authentic opportunities for learning for all children but especially young children. There are so many layers to the skills that are developed in play. From curiosity to social and emotional development, problem-solving to critical thinking, play builds and extends countless foundational aspects of learning. This is why pre-K for ME appealed to us so much. Play is central and prioritized.”

That first year of pre-K for ME set the stage in Brunswick for years to come. As the pre-K program expanded from that one classroom, tucked into a cute mobile unit in the school’s front yard, to four pre-K classrooms and then two more community partner classrooms, the school department continued to use the pre-K for ME program. Community partners Family Focus and Midcoast Maine Community Action Head Start were already using pre-K for ME at their agencies, so it was a smooth transition for Brunswick to do so. Soon, the success of Brunswick’s pre-K program started getting the attention of other staff in the school.

Kindergarten teacher Erin Lemont shared, “We quickly learned that K for ME is designed to offer young learners a flexible, interactive, and engaging way to explore foundational concepts. K for ME allows children to experience learning through exploration, hands-on activities, and social interaction, which helps them make deeper connections to what they’re discovering.”

Another Kindergarten teacher Charity Kaiser explained, “When I heard about K for ME, it was the first program I had encountered that truly embraced the importance of play, student choice, and the development of interpersonal skills. Having a comprehensive academic curriculum built around these foundational elements aligned perfectly with what I had come to value as essential for meaningful learning.”

So began the growth of K for ME in at the Brunswick School Department.

The first year of the pandemic was especially strange for Brunswick. Amidst social distancing and contact tracing, staff and students moved into the brand-new Kate Furbish Elementary School building, absorbed an additional grade level, and grew student population by more than 200. Principal Annie Young said she and her staff quickly realized that they needed a new approach with a school of more than 600 four- to eight-year-olds – especially after so many disruptions to students’ early years because of Covid-19.

“We noticed so many changes in our students as they came to our school – their deficits in social, emotional, communication, fine, and gross motor skills were drastic,” Young explained.

Fortunately, there were a number of highly-qualified early childhood educators working at the large pre-K through grade 2 school.

“Our staff is well-experienced in the pedagogy of working with young students. Not only are they highly-skilled; they are also passionate about the diverse needs of this age group,” Young shared.

Together, the staff of Kate Furbish began to build a “portrait of a graduate.” Qualities like intentional social-skill instruction and practice, emotional regulation work, play-based instruction, and communication rose to the top of their priority list. Finding a way to embed this work into the daily life of the school was already happening in their pre-K and K for ME classrooms. This thriving success inspired Principal Young to make the big leap of adopting both 1st and 2nd for ME programs. Coining it “Together for ME” this school year, Kate Furbish became the first school in the state to adopt pre-K, K, 1st, and 2nd for ME across the entire school – all 34 general education and six special education classrooms.

“I felt confident about this bold move,” Young said. “Our pre-K and kindergarten classrooms and staff were already seeing the positive impact of this program, so it was a clear path to adopt it school-wide.”

Besides being student-centered, this program is engaging and includes lots of intentional play and social-emotional skill building. Through Together for ME, staff and students see the powerful connections between classrooms, across grade levels, and throughout the school. There’s increased accessibility and reinforcement of Brunswick’s focus on belonging in this school-wide program. Students, including those in special education and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs, are finding more ways to access their general education settings than before. Together, Kate Furbish staff members are committed to continuing to grow in their understanding and use of this work.

The Brunswick School Department provided this article. To submit good news to the Maine DOE, fill out the Good News Submission form.

Please visit the Maine DOE website to learn more about the state’s instructional programs, such as pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st for ME, and 2nd for ME.

Maine Department of Education Expands Kindergarten Entry Inventory Project

During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 30 Maine kindergarten teachers participated in the first phase of the Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) project, funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant and designed to help teachers gather valuable insights into children’s development across multiple domains. Since then, these teachers have tested various KEI instruments in their classrooms, using information collected to better support individual learning needs.

Now, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is preparing for the launch of the next phase of KEI during the 2025-2026 school year. The expansion of this project will pilot KEI instruments in approximately 100 kindergarten classrooms throughout the state. Ultimately, aggregated KEI data will help to strengthen Maine’s early care and education system by identifying trends in growth and areas of continuous improvement.

The Maine DOE is inviting kindergarten teachers to participate in this exciting initiative by applying for a Kindergarten Entry Implementation Specialist position! Kindergarten Entry Implementation Specialists will pilot a KEI tool in their kindergarten classroom during the fall of 2025. Selected participants will receive a stipend for their work. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participating in training in the KEI tool administration protocol, piloting KEI with students, offering timely feedback, and attending periodic in-person and virtual meetings.

Your expertise and perspective are needed. All interested kindergarten teachers are welcome to complete this application. Applications are being accepted through May 9.

An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 1, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Please use this link to join.

If you have questions or need additional information about the KEI project, please contact Karen Mathieu, Maine DOE Kindergarten Entry Inventory Specialist, at karen.mathieu@maine.gov.

Nominations Open for Outstanding Early Childhood Professional Spotlight

Do you know an outstanding early childhood professional who works with children from birth to age 8 in a childcare program, public school, private school, or home-visiting setting? If so, consider nominating them for the 2025 Week of the Young Child (WOYC) Outstanding Early Childhood Professional Spotlight! The deadline to nominate is March 21, 2025.

This annual recognition program, presented in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Early Learning Team and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child and Family Services Early Care and Education Division, honors dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. This week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.

Recognize an outstanding early childhood professional by submitting a nomination through the 2025 WOYC Spotlight nomination form. The submission deadline is Friday, March 21, at 11:59 p.m.

Nominees will be contacted prior to the Week of the Young Child, which takes place April 5-11, 2025. All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on the Maine DOE Newsroom and social media platforms. They will also be entered into a raffle for a gift basket.

For more information, please contact Michelle Belanger, Maine DOE Pre-K Partnership Specialist, at michelle.belanger@maine.gov or Meg Swanson, Community and Partnership Manager, at megan.swanson@maine.gov.

First 10 Community Schools: Round Two Grantees Make a Difference in Their Local Communities

Since 2023, seven school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine have been awarded grants through the First 10 Community School Pilot, a project funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant. The First 10 model is a specialized community school approach that unites elementary schools, early childhood programs, businesses, community organizations, and social service agencies to support the well-being and academic success of children from birth through age 10.

Each First 10 participating school has established a dedicated First 10 team, comprised of school and community-based early childhood staff, community organizations, businesses, and family members. Three pilot sites launched their initiatives in the summer of 2023 and are actively building systems to ensure children and families benefit from a more coordinated early childhood network. You can learn more about the first round of grantees here.

A second cohort of SAUs was awarded grants in 2024. These SAUs began their First 10 journeys last July and have collaborated closely with those involved with the Education Development Center’s First 10 project to deepen their understanding of the model and develop detailed strategic plans tailored to their communities’ strengths and needs. These SAUs are now forging connections and actively working to strengthen the early childhood system within their regions.

Cape Cod Hill Community School, RSU 9 (New Sharon)

Serving pre-K through fifth grade, Cape Cod Hill Community School had already implemented a community school model and has since expanded its focus to include children from birth to age five through the First 10 program. Recognizing transportation as the most significant barrier for local families, the school’s First 10 team, led by First 10 School Outreach Coordinator Anita Stevens, took decisive action. Stevens convened a county-wide group of collaborators to explore solutions. The team has since connected with the Neighbors Driving Neighbors program, while working to establish a similar initiative in Franklin County. In addition to finalizing the team’s strategic plan, Stevens has actively engaged with community organizations and businesses and hosted activities at local events, such as the area Children’s Festival. A partnership with the local Masonic lodge and Eastern Star chapter resulted in the Angel Project, which provides winter clothing for children in need at the Cape Cod Hill Community School.

River Hawkes, Skowhegan (MSAD 54)

The River Hawkes First 10 team brings together the North and Bloomfield Elementary Schools in a strong partnership with the Kennebec Valley Community Action Corporation (KVCAP). Next year, these schools will merge into the new Margaret Chase Smith School, a facility that will consolidate three elementary schools and the KVCAP Head Start program, serving children from infancy through grade 5, along with their families. Preparing for this transition and fostering a cohesive early childhood landscape have been key priorities. This past fall, the team hosted a dinner with community childcare providers to share their First 10 goals and explore strategies for establishing a robust communication system between schools and community providers. First 10 Parent Outreach Coordinator Kasey Purington is also collaborating with MSAD 54 and KVCAP leadership to create opportunities for staff from both organizations to build relationships and develop a shared vision for the new school’s culture.

Wiscasset Elementary School, Wiscasset Public Schools

Wiscasset Elementary School, serving pre-K through fifth grade, boasts a First 10 team that includes staff from the local recreation department and Midcoast Community Action Corporation, working in close partnership with the Wiscasset parent-teacher organization and Partners in Education (PIE). Current efforts focus on family engagement events, caregiver education, and supporting transitions into pre-K and Kindergarten. First 10 Community School Outreach Coordinator Kim Watson, who is passionate about outdoor learning, has partnered with the Midcoast Forest Playgroup to launch “Wednesdays in the Woods” for the Wiscasset community. This initiative offers children and their caregivers a valuable opportunity to learn and play together in nature, with sessions designed to empower caregivers to eventually lead future nature-based playgroups.

Deer Isle-Stonington & Sedgwick Elementary Schools, Union 76 (Deer Isle)

Serving coastal communities from pre-K to grade 8, Deer Isle-Stonington and Sedgwick Elementary Schools have brought together school staff, adult education, Downeast Community Partners Head Start, Healthy Peninsula, and local community members to support their First 10 initiatives. This fall, the team focused on building relationships and ensuring access to essential resources. First 10 Community School Outreach Coordinator Melissa Jones-Bayley worked with Vanessa Hatch of Healthy Peninsula to expand the food backpack program through the Healthy Island Project. They are also finalizing plans for a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters that will engage high school students as mentors for elementary school students. Additionally, the team is planning family engagement initiatives and transition to pre-K and Kindergarten activities, with several events and strategies set to launch this winter.

The Maine DOE plans to continue to share good news about the important work being accomplished by Maine’s First 10 Community Schools. To learn more about the First 10 model and ongoing efforts in Maine, please visit the First 10 Community Schools website, or contact Sue Gallant, Maine DOE First 10 Community Schools Specialist, at Sue.Gallant@maine.gov.