2026 QIA Request for Applications: Star 2 Programs

MRTQ PDN is seeking applicants for a competitive, accelerated quality improvement award (QIA) grant opportunity. Applicants for this funding will be licensed programs currently rated at Star 2 with Rising Stars for ME that are seeking to move to Star 3. 

Up to 30 programs will be selected to receive a 2026 QIA.

What is included in the 2026 QIAs?

Programs selected to receive a 2026 QIA will receive: 

1. 1. On-site or virtual consultation with an assigned Quality Specialist with MRTQ PDN. 
   2. A $1,000 stipend to cover administrative costs associated with implementing the QIA funding. 
   3. Up to $5,000 in materials from pre-selected bundles (see 2026 QIA Application Packet appendix for a list of bundles). 
   4. Free enrollment in QIA-exclusive offerings of the following MRTQ PDN trainings: 
      1. Infant Toddler Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (IT MELDS) for up to two staff per program.
      2. Child Care Leadership Institute I, II, or III for one staff per program 
   5. Enrollment for up to two staff members in a Professional Learning Community dedicated to creating a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan.

Is this funding opportunity a match for your program’s needs?

Because this program will end on December 30, 2026, and because funds are limited, this opportunity is competitive and accelerated. Please read through the following considerations to determine if a 2026 QIA could be a match for your program’s current needs. 

• Is your program currently rated a Star 2 with Rising Stars for ME? The goal of this funding opportunity is to move programs from a Star 2 to a Star 3. If your program is not currently rated at a Star 2, you are not eligible to apply. 

• Does your program have the capacity to commit to the requirements for this grant? Programs selected for funding will be required to meet with an MRTQ PDN Quality Specialist to create a Quality Improvement Award plan. Depending on your program’s needs, other requirements will be: 
  • • Selecting staff to attend facilitated training; 
    • Selecting staff to participate in on-demand training; 
    • Committing at least one staff member to attend multiple meetings of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) addressing continuous quality improvement planning; 
    • Creating policies and other evidence to add to the program’s E-Portfolio in Rising Stars for ME; 
    • Reapplying to Rising Stars for ME by the end of November, 2026.

How to apply: 

Programs interested in applying for a 2026 should read the 2026 QIA Application Packet.

The application is available:

• QIA 2026 Application: Facilities 
• QIA 2026 Application: Family Child Care

For programs requesting a paper application, please email mrtq.qiawards@maine.edu or call 207-228-8331. Be sure to include your name (first and last, with spelling) and mailing address. Paper applications will be mailed via USPS within two business days of request. 

Electronic applications are due to MRTQ PDN no later than 11:59pm on Monday, May 11, 2026. Paper applications must be postmarked by Monday, May 11, 2026. Scanned paper copies may be emailed and must be received by Monday, May 11, 2026. Hand delivered paper applications will not be accepted.

Submit applications to:

• • • Email: mrtq.qiawards@maine.edu 
    • Mail to: MRTQ PDN – QI Awards, Attn. Jenn Wiles, USM, PO Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 

Is support available for completing the application?

MRTQ PDN staff will be available to answer questions regarding the Rising Stars for ME Star 3 Standards during Virtual QIA Office Hours at the following times: 

1. 1. Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:00pm will cover Standards 1, 2, and 3
   2. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:30pm will cover Standards 4, 5, 6, and 7 

Meetings will take place on Zoom and will be recorded. To attend, or to submit a question to be recorded during the meeting, please complete the registration form.