Early Learning - Professional Learning & Resources

The Leading Early Learning Fellowship is a professional learning series designed to build understanding of the components of evidence-based, high-quality early childhood (Pre-K-3) learning environments and approaches that promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices.  The series promotes knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and leadership abilities to support children, teachers, and families during this pivotal time in children’s development. 

Leading Early Learning Informational Sheet
 

The Maine Youth Thriving is hosting free virtual (via ZOOM) professional development for Early Childcare, Pre-K, and Public-School providers across Maine. Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience will bring together Early Childhood, Pre-K and Public-School Educators to participate in programs during 2023- 2025. Two contact hours are available for each session.

Program Descriptions & Session Schedule

Nature Based Education- Tip Sheet offers some of the benefits, things to consider and tips from the field on nature-based education. 

Nature Based Education- Local Resources is designed to highlight a variety of resources and initiatives related to nature-based education for students ages three and up. 

Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MAEYC)  MaineAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for every young child in Maine, starting at birth, by advancing a diverse, dynamic, and well-compensated early childhood profession. 

University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies  brings together the resources of the university and Maine communities to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN) supports early childhood and out-of-school-time professionals in developing the expertise necessary to provide high-quality, inclusive, and culturally responsive care to Maine’s children. 

Child Development Services (CDS) is an Intermediate Educational Unit that provides both Early Intervention (birth through two years) and Free Appropriate Public Education (for ages three through five years) under the supervision of the Maine Department of Education. The CDS system ensures the provision of special education rules, federal and state regulations statewide, through a network of regional sites. 

Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services is dedicated to helping create a future where all Maine children and families are safe, stable, happy, and healthy.   

Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), Rising Stars for ME is designed to increase awareness of the basic standards of early care and education, recognize and support early care and education programs providing care above and beyond those standards; and educate the community about the benefits of higher quality care and early learning. 

Maine Families purpose is to support healthy and happy families with emotional and physical well-being, positive and effective parenting, healthy and strong parent-child attachments, positive and creative learning environments for children, self-confidence for both parents and children, families' access to the resources they need to thrive, families who are deeply connected to and supported by their communities, building the foundation that children need for educational success. 

Maine Parent Federation brings the power of knowledge and voice to families of children/dependents with special needs assisting in opening the gateway to systems of care. 

Alliance for Early Success The Alliance for Early Success is a national nonprofit that works with early childhood policy advocates at the state level to ensure that every child, birth through eight, has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Division for Early Childhood (DEC)  works to advance and shape leadership, research, policy, and practice that supports, engages, and informs those who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children with or at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. 

Council for a Strong America (CSA) is a national, bipartisan nonprofit that unites membership organizations  that promote evidence-based solutions that ensure the next generation of Americans will be prepared for successful lives. 

National Association for the Education of Young Children is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. 

National Association for Elementary School Principals (NAESP)  is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the U.S., Canada, and overseas. 

National Governors Association  is the voice of the leaders of 55 states, territories, and commonwealths. 

National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)  improves the learning and development of young children by collaborating with a network of local, state, national, and international early education practitioners to conduct, create and disseminate rigorous research, evaluation, and policy analysis that transforms early childhood policy and practice.   

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child brings together experts from a variety of academic disciplines, professional fields, and organizations, all of whom are committed to collaborating to improve our understanding of how influences from the developmental environment affect early childhood development and lifelong health. 

Zero to Three uses early childhood development research to create meaningful resources for families, professionals, and policymakers who shape the lives of young children. 

Head Start offers a trusted, comprehensive hub for early childhood educators, offering high-quality, research-based tools, training, and resources that support child development, family engagement, program quality, and professional growth. HeadStart.gov connects users to the latest federal guidance, best practices, and proven strategies to help all child thrive.