RISING STARS FOR ME
Resources and guidance for the new rating system, Rising Stars for ME.
The University of Southern Maine has been informed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that another entity has been selected to administer Maine’s Professional Development Network (PDN) and Technical Assistance (TA) services we have delivered since 1999 when our current contract ends on December 31, 2026.
We are awaiting further information from the Office of Child and Family Services at DHHS about how they plan to manage this transition and have also submitted a formal appeal of the Department’s decision.
If you have questions about the transition or about future PDN or TA services, please direct your questions to Maine DHHS: (207) 287-3707.
We will keep members updated as additional information becomes available.
MRTQ PDN Annual Report 2026
View the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network Annual report for 2026 here.
Professional Development Needs Assessment 2026
View the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network needs assessment report for 2026 here.
Our Mission: 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.
MRTQ PDN consists of a partnership between the Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, and the Maine Afterschool Network.
Find an updated list of FREE Communities of Practice (CoPs) happening around the state HERE.
Training Requests?
We are hearing from you that the need for training is continuing during this time. For more information about the potential options for you and your program, CLICK HERE
Registry
Our Registry is the core of Maine’s professional recognition system. The Registry uses members’ work, education, Early Childhood credentials, and training histories to assign a level on the appropriate career lattice. After joining the Registry, members have a convenient way of tracking ongoing training and educational accomplishments.
Registry Login
Already a Maine Roads to Quality Registry Member? Log in here to access your information!
Technical Assistance
We have created a statewide system to offer on-site support to early childhood and out-of-school time
Publications
SHORTcuts is the weekly newsletter for Maine Roads to Quality that includes information on upcoming training opportunities, helpful resources, and other program updates.
Training
We offer multiple opportunities for professional development in the early childhood field. Whether a practitioner wants to complete Core Knowledge Training, take a course for continuing education, or complete one of Maine’s professional credentials, MRTQ PDN is available to support an individual’s professional development goals.
Training Calendar
Course offerings and descriptions are kept up-to-date in our online training calendar.