The transition from Quality for ME to Rising Stars for ME was completed at the end of March 2023. All programs were given a minimum of six months to meet all Standards to maintain their Star rating and the new Rising Stars for ME certificates reflect updated certificate expiration dates. In order to provide additional time for programs to complete their updated certificates, the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) will be providing a one-time only expiration date extension. The new expiration date will be November 1, 2023. This extension applies to programs with license expiration dates that fall between March 27 and October 31, 2023.

Enrollment with Rising Stars for ME is a requirement of both licensing and the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP). Per CCSP Rule, OCFS cannot reimburse providers with an expired certificate. As a reminder, CCSP providers with a Star 3 receive a market rate bump of 2%, Star 4 receives 5%, and Star 5 (accredited programs) receives 10%.

OCFS would like to thank the hundreds of providers that have already completed their renewal. Be sure to check your expiration date – it will align with your license expiration date and it may not be until next year, or even 2025!

For those that have not logged into the Rising Stars for ME Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Application Portal, the renewal application can be completed at www.risingstarsforme.org/. Please find the helpful resources and contact information below:

A 10-minute video on how to start and navigate the application: https://youtu.be/02Wbfl-Kbb4

The OCFS QRIS website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/support-for-families/child-care/qris

Maine Roads to Quality District Coordinators: Please see  https://www.mrtq.org/technical-assistance/  or call 1-888-900-0055

If you do not know your program’s expiration date or have any questions, please contact Amber Taurasi, Early Child Care and Education Quality Specialist, at Amber.Taurasi@maine.gov or (207) 626-8684.