Public Preschool
If your district is interested in opening a new or expanding a current public preschool program, please refer to the following steps.
- Complete the Maine DOE Preschool Planning Survey available online in the fall of the year before opening. The survey link and deadline are announced in Maine DOE News each September.
- Become familiar with Chapter 124: Basic Approval Standards: Public Preschool Programs.
- Complete the online application and submit it to Maine DOE by April 30 for a fall opening date. A PDF version of the application is also available.
- Applications will be reviewed and districts will be notified by a letter of approval from Maine DOE.
Staff Certification Requirements
Teacher Requirements
Public Preschool Teachers must hold an Early Childhood 081 (Birth–5) endorsement or a conditional 081 endorsement.
Assistant Teachers must hold a minimum of an Educational Technician II Authorization and obtain a Level 4 status on the Maine Roads to Quality Registry within 3 years.
Maine Roads to Quality (MRTQ)
All preschool staff must join the Maine Roads to Quality Registry. MRTQ is the professional development network for all early childhood professionals in Maine, funded through a block grant from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Child & Family Services.
MRTQ offers free or low-cost training — face-to-face, hybrid, and online.
Supporting Documents & Resources
Templates & Agreements
- CDS/District MOU TemplateWord
- District/Head Start:
Sample ContractWord, MOU 1Word, MOU 2 - District/Community Partner Sample MOUWord
Additional Resources
- Other Early Childhood Resources General, state, and national resources related to public preschools.
- Child Care Licensing
- PreK–3 Leadership (NAESP)
Contact
Nicole Madore
Early Childhood Specialist
Phone: 207-624-6677
Email: Nicole.Madore@maine.gov