Category: Early Childhood

Learning Series for Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Early Learning Team and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, in partnership with The Maine Resilience Building Network, are excited to announce a professional learning opportunity for childcare and public-school educators working with children from birth to 8 years old. Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience will bring together early care and education practitioners working across the birth to grade 3 span to participate in professional learning programs during 2024-2025. These free virtual (via Zoom) opportunities are funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant.  Two contact hours are available for each session.

Review these descriptions of each session’s content:

The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

Join this training to gain a comprehensive understanding of how both adverse and positive childhood experiences sculpt the foundation of individual development and uncover the transformative potential of PCEs in nurturing the children with whom you work.

Learning Objectives:

  • Grasp the nuances of early brain development influenced by ACEs and PCEs
  • Gain insights into ACEs and PCEs and how PCEs can nurture healthy development
  • Learn cognitive reframing techniques to focus on protective factors and strengths

A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

Join this training to learn the framework for promoting positive childhood experiences and support healthy childhood development through the lens of relationships, environment, engagement, and emotional growth. Attendance at Part 1 is strongly encouraged but not required to attend this training.

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the way positive and negative experiences impact brain development
  • Employ practical strategies for fostering positive environments in educational and caregiving settings
  • Gain insights into creating safe, stimulating, and inclusive spaces that encourage exploration, creativity, and positive interactions

Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

Join this training to explore stress impact and address compassion fatigue by developing strategies that promote resilience and reconnect you with the “why ” of your work.

Learning Objectives:

  • Help participants identify how stress presents to them
  • Understand the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue
  • Develop 5 personal and professional resilience strategies that address compassion fatigue and foster wellbeing

Participants may choose to register for one, two or all three trainings in any order between March-August 2024. It is recommended, but not required, that participants register for Part I and Part II in sequence.

Session Title Dates Offered Registration Link
 

The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

 Monday, 3/04/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5616732
Tuesday, 4/9/24
6:00-8:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5616738
Wednesday, 5/08/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5616745
Monday, 6/03/24
6:00-8:00 PM		  https://maineresilience.org/event-5616755
Monday, 8/05/24
9:00-11:00 AM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5616800
 

A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

 Monday, 3/11/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617531
Tuesday, 4/23/24
6:00-8:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617532
Wednesday, 5/15/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617534
Monday, 6/10/24
6:00-8:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617536
Monday, 8/12/24
9:00-11:00 AM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617537
 

Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

 Monday, 3/18/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617542
Tuesday, 4/30/24
6:00-8:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5583415
Wednesday, 5/22/24
3:00-5:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617548
Monday, 6/24/24
6:00-8:00 PM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617550
Monday, 8/19/24
9:00-11:00 AM		 https://maineresilience.org/event-5617551

Pilot Opportunity for ‘2nd Grade for ME’ Instructional Program

As part of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) efforts to adapt and offer open-source, interdisciplinary, Whole Student instructional programming for the early elementary grades, the Maine DOE will be conducting a pilot for its 2nd Grade for ME program during the 2024-25 school year. To date, the Maine DOE has piloted, adapted, and posted the Pre-K for ME,  K for ME and 1st Grade for ME instructional programs, all of which are based on the Boston Public Schools’ Focus programs.  Participation in the pilot will provide pilot teachers with the materials and ongoing professional learning needed to implement the program. The process will also encourage pilot teachers to test and suggest adaptations/enhancements specific for Maine.

If you are a grade 2 teacher interested in being part of the pilot, please consult with your building principal and consider attending an overview session. Principals and curriculum leaders are also encouraged to attend. Details about the 2nd Grade for ME program, the pilot timeline, and the responsibilities of school participants and the DOE in the pilot process will be shared. Time for questions will also be provided.

2nd Grade for ME Overview Session
February 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Register here

The February 29 session will be recorded and a link to the recording will be shared with anyone who registers but is unable to attend.

Please contact Lee Anne Larsen, Early Learning Team Coordinator (Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov) with any questions.

First 10 Community Schools Request for Applications (RFA # 202312243)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from school administrative units (SAUs) and Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) to be part of a 3-year First 10 Community School pilot project funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant.  Developed by Education Development Center, First 10 Community Schools bring together school systems, early childhood programs, and community partners/agencies to improve care and education for young children and their families throughout the first 10 years of children’s lives.  This model works to improve teaching and learning, deepen partnerships with families, and provide comprehensive services for children and families.   

Through this opportunity, pilot sites will be supported in developing and implementing First 10 Community School models.  To learn more about the model and the pilot opportunity, interested applicants are encouraged to view this recorded First 10 Community School information session.  Additional information about First 10 Community Schools can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s First 10 webpage and on Education Development Center’s First 10 webpage.  

Eligible schools that are interested in the First 10 Community School grant opportunity may access the application through the First 10 Community School Request for Applications (RFA). 

A timeline for the RFA process is provided below. 

  • December 18, 2023–RFA released 
  • January 4, 2024—RFA question submission deadline 
  • February 1, 2024—RFA submission deadline 

All questions about the First 10 Community School RFA should be submitted to the First 10 Community School Grant Coordinator identified on the Grant RFPs and RFAs webpage. 

Additional questions regarding this announcement should be directed to:
Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning, Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.  

 

First 10 Community School Informational Session

Has your elementary school and its community partners been interested in collaborating to support children and families in your community? Have you wondered about the positive outcomes such partnerships can afford? If so, the First 10 Community School model may be just such an opportunity to consider.  Join the Maine Department of Education for an informational session to:

  • learn more about the First 10 Community School model,
  • consider being part of an ongoing First 10 Community School pilot, and
  • obtain answers to questions you have about the model.

An informational session will be held on December 14 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A link to register for the session can be found below. The session will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend the live presentation.

Developed by Education Development Center, First 10 Community Schools bring together school systems, early childhood programs, and community partners/agencies to improve care and education for young children and their families throughout the first 10 years of children’s lives.  This model works to improve teaching and learning, deepen partnerships with families, and provide comprehensive services for children and families.  Typical First 10 practices include, but are not limited to:

  • fostering engagement of families with schools and community partners,
  • providing play and learn groups linked to elementary schools,
  • coordinating connections to health and social services,
  • connecting child care providers with elementary schools,
  • improving the quality of early childhood programs,
  • coordinating the transition to kindergarten,
  • conducting joint professional learning among early childhood, pre-k and elementary teachers, and
  • aligning and improving elementary grade curriculum and instruction.

Information about First 10 Community Schools can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s First 10 webpage and on Education Development Center’s First 10 webpage.  For more information, reach out to Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning, at leeann.larsen@maine.gov or Sue Gallant, First 10 Community School Consultant, at Sue.Gallant@maine.gov.

Learning Series: Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive

As a reminder, Maine’s Department of Education’s (DOE) Early Learning Team and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services are hosting a professional learning opportunity for child care and public-school educators working with children birth-8 years old. This opportunity is funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant.

The Maine Resilience Building Network will be hosting a series of free virtual (via ZOOM) professional development sessions. Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience will bring together early childhood and PK-3 public-school educators to participate in sessions during the fall of 2023. These sessions will focus on:

  • How adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
  • ideas for how to support 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 3 available offerings can be found here. Two contact hours are available for each session. Registration is required and links to each session are provided within the table below.

Date/Time Program and Registration Link
Saturday, 11/4/23 9:00-11:00am The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407584
Thursday, 11/9/23 3:00-5:00pm The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407589
Saturday, 11/18/23 9:00-11:00am Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407625
Monday, 11/27/23 3:00-5:00pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407598
Saturday, 12/9/23 9:00-11:00am A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407617
Tuesday, 12/12/23 6:00-8:00pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407706
Monday, 12/18/23 6:00-8:00pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407630

Additional questions can be directed to Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Funding Survey: Estimated Pre-K Enrollment Counts for New or Expanding Programs in 2024-2025

If your School Administrative Unit (SAU) is opening or expanding a Pre-K program in the 2024-2025 school year, you are eligible to receive funding on your FY25 ED279 for children you enroll in these new or expanded Pre-K programs in 2024. This means you will receive the funding for enrollment in the same year that you enroll the Pre-K children, without a year delay.

If you are planning to start and/or expand public Pre-K in the 2024-25 school year and would like to receive an FY25 estimate Pre-K allocation, please notify the Maine DOE by completing the FY25 Estimate Pre-K Count Data Form before November 8, 2023. There are 3 questions to be answered on the funding survey:

  1. What is your SAU? Choose your SAU from a drop-down list.
  2. Do you have an existing Pre-K program (FY24)? – Yes/No
  3. What is your SAU’s Pre-K Estimated Increase Count (new slots available in new or expanding program)?

SAUs completing the form must also complete the Pre-K Program Application with DOE’s Early Learning Team by April 30, 2024 and obtain program approval.

The FY25 Estimate Pre-K Count Data Collection form is meant to capture the FY25 estimate for new and expanding Pre-K program enrollment. The estimated student count data, in addition to the current (FY24) enrollment in an existing Pre-K program, will be used to provide funding on the FY25 ED279. An SAU’s Pre-K total enrollment number, as reported and verified October 1, 2024, should match the combined existing and estimated increase total that was used to calculate funds in the ED279. After October 1, 2024, an audit adjustment, based on actual enrollment reported in NEO on October 1, 2024, will be made to the Pre-K allocation assigned on the FY25 ED279. Please note that this may increase or decrease funding.

For more information about establishing or expanding a Pre-K program, please check out the webpage on the topic, or contact Nicole Madore at  nicole.madore@maine.gov.

For questions specific FY25 ED279 estimates, please contact Paula Gravelle at 624-6792 or Paula.B.Gravelle@maine.gov.

 

Professional Learning Community: Explore 2nd Grade for ME

Between 2018-2023, the Maine Department of Education has engaged in the development of interdisciplinary, open-source instructional programs for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1.  These programs, Pre-K for ME and K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME, are housed on the Maine DOE’s website. Many schools across the state have implemented these instructional programs and the Maine DOE is planning to extend its work related to interdisciplinary, open-source instructional programming into grade two during the 2024-25 school year by adapting the Boston Public Schools’ Focus on Second program to become 2nd Grade for ME.

For grade two teachers interested in exploring the Focus on Second instructional program that will serve as the foundation for Maine’s development of 2nd Grade for ME, a professional learning community (PLC) experience is being planned for the 2023-24 school year.  There is no obligation to implement the program, but this PLC will provide time to learn about the program design, its components, and how the program connects to Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME.

Teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators interested in this instructional program are encouraged to participate.  Grade two teachers who participate may have the opportunity to pilot the program during the 2024-25 school year.

To preview the program, visit Focus on Second. An outline of the PLC series and a registration link is included below.

Professional Learning Community: Exploring 2nd Grade for ME

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Registration Link

Date Topics/Component Focus
October 24th Goals for the PLC, Structure of Focus on Second (2nd Grade for ME)
November 15th Read Alouds, Routines, Vocabulary
January 16th Play, Studios, Projects
February 27th Science and Engineering, Math
March 26th Phonics, Literacy Stations, Small Groups, Writing, Closing

If you have questions, please contact Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning, at Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.

Learning Series: Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive

Maine’s Department of Education’s (DOE) Early Learning Team and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services are excited to announce a professional learning opportunity for child care and public-school educators working with children birth-8 years old. This opportunity is funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant.

The Maine Resilience Building Network will be hosting a series of free virtual (via ZOOM) professional development sessions. Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience will bring together early childhood and PK-3 public-school educators to participate in sessions during the fall of 2023. These sessions will focus on:

  • How adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
  • ideas for how to support 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 3 available offerings can be found here. Two contact hours are available for each session. Registration is required and links to each session are provided within the table below.

Date/Time Program and Registration Link
Tuesday, 10/17/23

6:00-8:00pm

 The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407497
Monday, 10/23/23 6:00-8:00pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407549
Thursday, 11/2/23 3:00-5:00pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407636
Saturday, 11/4/23 9:00-11:00am The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407584
Thursday, 11/9/23 3:00-5:00pm The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407589
Saturday, 11/18/23 9:00-11:00am Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407625
Monday, 11/27/23 3:00-5:00pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407598
Saturday, 12/9/23 9:00-11:00am A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407617
Tuesday, 12/12/23 6:00-8:00pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407706
Monday, 12/18/23 6:00-8:00pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers

https://maineresilience.org/event-5407630

Additional questions can be directed to Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Community of Practice: Building High-Quality Transitions to Kindergarten

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is pleased to announce a new Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on supporting schools and districts in building high-quality plans for kindergarten transitions.  Recognizing the significant milestone that transition to kindergarten is for children and families, this CoP explores strategies for positively engaging children, families, caregivers, educators, and community providers in this process, including ideas for building transition teams and year-long transition plans. This no-cost learning experience will focus on supporting school systems and community partners by offering resources and support in building out transition plans, as well as opportunity to network with others who are engaged in the same work. SAU administrators, teaching staff, community preschool and childcare providers, and other community partners who share in cultivating smooth and well-supported transitions to kindergarten are encouraged to register together for this virtual opportunity.

The Community of Practice will be held from 3:30 – 4:30 PM on the following dates:

October 17th, December 19th, January 16th, March 19th, and May 21st

Please register here for the Community of Practice.

In conjunction with this opportunity, the Kindergarten Transition webpages have been enhanced.  These pages contain valuable resources for both parents & caregivers, and educators & providers.

For more information, please contact Marcy Whitcomb, Public Pre-K Consultant: marcy.r.whitcomb@maine.gov

2023/2024 Community of Practice: Plan on Purposeful Play

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 domains of development. If infusing more opportunities for play into your instruction practice interests you, come join Maine DOE’s Early Learning Team for a play-filled community of practice (COP) during the 2023-24 school year. This COP will explore the research behind play being central to early learning and will consider the continuum of playful pedagogy which can be employed to promote learning. It will also examine how playful practices can be purposefully incorporated in pre-k to grade 3 classrooms and will offer opportunities for participants to share successful practices with each other.

The Plan on Purposeful Play COP will meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30-4:30 PM beginning in October 2023 and running through April 2024. The schedule for the COP series is provided below.

Register for the COP through this link by September 30, 2023. An email confirmation with the Zoom link for the series will be sent following the close of registration. Contact hours will be provided at the end of the series.

Month Topic
October 10 What is playful learning? Why is it important?
November 14 Continuum of playful learning
December 12 Creating conditions for playful learning
January 9 Playful experiences to cultivate domains of development—Part 1
February 13 Playful experiences to cultivate domains of development—Part 2
March 12 Assessing learning through play
April 9 Participant shares/reflections

If you have additional questions about the COP, please contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov or Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.