First4ME

Maine’s future prosperity and workforce depend on our youngest children getting what they need to learn, grow, thrive, and become the adults who will strengthen our communities and build our economy.

Because the brain’s architecture is built over time, ensuring a strong foundation early in life is critical to everything that follows. Strong foundations are built by making sure young children have positive learning experiences and stable, consistent relationships with caring adults at home and in the community.

First4ME regional sites collaborate with community organizations, such as local government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits, to create a comprehensive network of support for young children and their families. The program is implemented at the local level and can adapt to the specific needs and challenges in each community. 

First4ME sites provide resources, support, and guidance to help families make informed decisions about their children's early learning and development. First4ME sites also provide training, coaching, and resources for child care programs and early childhood educators to improve the stability and quality of early care and education in the region. 

In addition, First4ME sites leverage existing community assets, such as libraries, parks, and recreational centers, to create opportunities for children and families to learn and grow together.

First4ME uses data to track progress and make informed decisions about improvements. This data-driven approach ensures that the program is responsive to the needs of the pilot sites.

While First4ME is still in early stages, 27% of participating providers have achieved a 4- or 5-star Rising Stars for ME rating vs 18% for all child care programs in the state.

First4ME provides a comprehensive range of services to support children, families, and early childhood educators in Maine. Here are some of the key services offered: 

For Families:

• Connections to Community Resources: Support for families to access other services and programs.
• Family Support Coaches: Guidance and support for families to navigate challenges and access resources.  
• Transition to Public School: Collaboration with child care programs and public schools to support transitions for children entering Pre-K or Kindergarten. 

For Early Childhood Educators:

• Professional Development: Training and coaching improves teaching practices and enhances child development outcomes. In one pilot community, 22% of the First4ME child care programs have increased their star rating while participating in the project.
• Shared Professional Development and Peer-to-Peer Support: Opportunities for educators to collaborate and learn from each other. 
• Access to High-Quality Curriculum and Assessment Tools: Tools to support effective teaching and learning.
• Access to Funding: Funding to support operations and emergency needs for maintaining a high quality early care and education program.

For Communities:

• Community Partnerships: Coordination with local organizations to create a comprehensive support network for families and children.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to inform program improvements and ensure quality outcomes.
• Shared Services Model: Opportunities for providers to collaborate on shared services, such as professional development and administrative support for child care programs.

First4ME can provide valuable support and resources to enhance your program—helping you elevate your program, empower your staff, and better serve the children in your care. First4ME will help you with: 

• Professional Development: Access to high-quality training and professional development opportunities to improve teaching skills and knowledge. 
• Curriculum Support: Resources and curriculum guidance to help plan engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. 
• Family Engagement: Strategies and tools to strengthen partnerships with families and promote family involvement in their child's learning. 
• Staff Compensation: Opportunities for increased compensation through participation in First4ME.
• Reduced Turnover: Improved working conditions and support can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
• Community Partnerships: Connections with other early childhood providers and community organizations to share best practices and collaborate on initiatives. 

First4ME is not currently available in all parts of Maine. It's a pilot that's being implemented in specific regions and communities across the state. The First4ME program is currently active in Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland and York Counties.

First4ME’s two generation, whole-family approach sets it apart from other programs. The multigenerational approach supports children and families by fostering environments where parents thrive and children receive high-quality early education and care.

Key elements of the whole-family approach: For Children:

• Provides access to high-quality, full-day, full-year early learning environments tailored to support cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
• Access to developmental screenings and assessments to identify and address any delays or disabilities early.
• Offers culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices that foster growth and learning.

For Parents and Families:

• Enhances parenting skills through family engagement practices that promote positive parent-child relationships.
• Provides connections to resources for family health, financial stability, and educational or employment opportunities.
• Assistance with accessing health care, education, or child care resources.

Integrated Services:

• Encourages collaboration between child care providers, health professionals, and community organizations to deliver holistic support.
• Focuses on creating consistency between home and educational settings to reinforce positive learning experiences and outcomes.

The two generation, whole-family approach ensures that while children receive the foundational care and education they need while parents are empowered to improve their well-being and economic stability. This approach strengthens families and benefits entire communities.