Quality Improvement Awards for increasing Star ratings on Rising Stars for ME

The Quality Improvement Awards are provided to eligible programs to work on meeting Rising Stars for ME standards and increase its star rating. Programs will:

• • Have a completed, up-to-date, Rising Stars for ME application, reflecting current program practices. Need help? Try this tutorial!
  • Submit a Quality Improvement Plan using the Rising Stars for ME recommendations for your program. See below.
  • Meet with MRTQ PDN staff to finalize the Quality Improvement Plan and connect with available resources.
  • Determine funding needs based on your program’s Quality Improvement Plan. Submit a funding request to MRTQ PDN for approval.
  • Once approved, begin working on the requirements identified in your program’s Quality Improvement Plan. Once all requirements are met, reapply to receive your new star rating.

Quality Improvements Awards consist of two funding parts:

• • The initial funding to support the work needed to meet Rising Stars for ME standards.
  • A cash payment of $2500-$3500 after increasing the Star rating.

Details about eligibility, award amount, and requirements can be found here:

Quality Improvement Awards Description
Frequently Asked Questions – Quality Improvement Awards
Instructions – Quality Improvement Plan and Funding Request

We are no longer accepting Quality Improvement Plans at this time (2/28/2025).

Coursework and TA opportunities:  

Awards and mini-grants are provided to participants who complete specific training and Technical Assistance opportunities.   

Current Coursework with Quality Improvement Awards and Mini-Grants available:

Strengthening Business Practices for Child Care:  

Strengthening Business Practices (SBP) helps child care programs understand how to run a successful business. This 18.5-hour facilitated training and discussions are designed to strengthen practitioners’ foundational knowledge of sound fiscal management and business operations. It will cover budgets, projections, and planning, financial reports and internal controls, marketing for childcare programs, and staff recruitment and retention. The curriculum was developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. Qualified Participants who complete the training receive a Quality Improvement Award and an opportunity for follow-up on-site or online consultation.

Designing Early Learning: Curriculum and Assessment in Preschool:

Designing Early Learning (DEL) is designed to build teachers’ understanding of the components of authentic assessment and curriculum planning for preschool aged children. This 33-hour facilitated training and group highlights developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education while connecting to the Preschool Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) for planning and assessment. Participants will practice child observation and planning experiences based on The Learning Cycle. Qualified Participants who complete the training receive a Quality Improvement Mini-grant and an opportunity for follow-up on-site or online consultation.

Earning a Maine Credential:

• • Awards are available for practitioners who are awarded one of the following credentials: Infant Toddler, Youth Development, Director, Family Child Care, Inclusion, and Technical Assistance.
  • For more details, see our Credential Quality Improvement Award document.
    
  • To learn more about Maine Credentials, visit http://www.mrtq.org/mainecredentials/.