RISING STARS FOR ME Q&A
Rising Stars for ME ResourcesWhy am I being asked to update information on both my enrollment and openings at my program? How is this information being used, and what’s the difference?
Programs are asked to update both enrollment and opening information to provide important data for different purposes. The chart below helps explain the differences. All links are available to access below the chart. Rising Stars for ME Website Child Care Choices...
I would like to start putting together my program’s E-Portfolio before I begin the application process. Is there an outline of what should be in the E-Portfolio for each Star rating?
All licensed programs must update their Rising Stars for ME application at least every two years at the time of licensing renewal. For programs rated at Star 3 and above – or for those working toward Star 3 – keeping an updated E-Portfolio with the required evidence...
I am a family child care program owner and have two staff working with me. I notice that their Levels on the MRTQ PDN Career Lattice do not count toward my rating with Rising Stars for ME. How can I include them in our program’s quality improvement process?
Because family child care programs are not required to have staff, the Rising Stars for ME Staffing and Professional Development requirements (Standard 3) addressing Career Lattice Levels do not include requirements for staff. Only the Program Owner must achieve...
I’m overwhelmed by the Rising Stars for ME Inclusive Practices Checklist. Where do I start?
In Standard 2: Program Evaluation, at Stars 3, 4, and 5 a program is required to complete all or parts of the Rising Stars for ME Inclusive Practices Checklist as part of the program’s overall Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan. At first glance, this document...
What is the process for renewing my program’s enrollment with Rising Stars for ME?
This is thinking ahead! It’s important to know that there is not a renewal process with Rising Stars for ME; programs must REAPPLY at the time of their license renewal or any time there is an anticipated rating change. Your Rising Stars for ME expiration date will...
I saw that the new Preschool Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards on demand training is available. Do I need to take that as a requirement for Rising Stars for ME?
MRTQ PDN is very excited to introduce the new, FREE, 8-hour, on demand Preschool Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards (P-MELDS) training! This new training is included in the Rising Stars for ME Standards. Read the list below to see where you fit to...
Someone from the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) contacted me about a site visit. What is this?
Amber Taurasi at the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) is beginning to contact child care programs about conducting a site visit. Programs are randomly selected for a scheduled site visit to validate a program’s Rising Stars for ME application. These visits...
Our program has a focus on outdoor learning. How does that fit in with the Standards in Rising Stars for ME?
Rising Stars for ME is meant to be inclusive for all programs in Maine, no matter the size, philosophy, or location! If your program has a specific focus, such as outdoor learning, there are several ways you can demonstrate that in your Rising Stars for ME application...
My program currently has a Conditional License. How does this affect my rating with Rising Stars for ME?
Programs with a Conditional License must be enrolled with Rising Stars for ME to comply with licensing regulations. The rating given to programs with a Conditional License is Star 2 Restricted. This rating recognizes the program’s participation with Rising Stars for...
Do you have an update on when I’ll be able to change my program’s information about openings on Child Care Choices?
This is such a timely question! YES – those with Director of Record Access (DoRA) or DoRA Assistant can now update program openings and certain display information on Child Care Choices! Updates are made through the program’s Rising Stars for ME profile. Once the...