To achieve a Star 3 or higher rating with Rising Stars for ME, certain staff must complete the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) and/or the Infant Toddler Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (IT MELDS). These requirements are different for Facilities and Family Child Care programs; you can find all MELDS and IT MELDS requirements in Standard 1: Learning Environment and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Facilities have two requirements related to the MELDS and IT MELDS training:

• The Program Director or Education Coordinator must complete the MELDS and/or IT MELDS for all age groups served in the program. This requirement addresses staff in a leadership position who oversee curriculum development and implementation for the program.
• One Lead Teacher(s) in each age group must complete the applicable MELDS and/or IT MELDS training. The requirement is for each age grouping, NOT per classroom.

Family Child Care Program Owner/Directors must complete the applicable MELDS and/or IT MELDS for each age grouping in the program.

Programs serving school-age children only have no requirements around age-specific training.

You can search and register for the current offerings of the MELDS and IT MELDS and other MRTQ PDN trainings at ececalendarmaine.org. For trainings that are full, please place your name on the waiting list. MRTQ PDN training staff will reach out to you when another offering becomes available.

Check back over the next few weeks for more details on the MELDS and IT MELDS requirements, including answers to more of your questions:

• What if my staff or I can’t get into a MELDS or IT MELDS training before our Rising Stars for ME expiration date?
• Can my college coursework meet this requirement?

As always, please reach out to risingstarsforme@maine.edu with questions.