The transition to Rising Stars for ME was completed at the end of March 2023. Since then, programs have renewed or applied on the Rising Stars for ME website. The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) thanks everyone for your engagement! OCFS is now looking to visit programs in person and experience the incredible work providers are doing every day. OCFS recognizes that providers are meeting the standards in a variety of ways, and we look forward to seeing how you are doing it.

We are seeking volunteers for our site visit pilot program!

What? A visit to your program by an OCFS staff member.  We anticipate the process will take 1-2 hours on-site. This will be scheduled at your convenience.

When? We will be accepting interested parties for participation from December 18, 2023, to January 15, 2024.  We will begin outreach and scheduling in late January 2024.

Why? The purpose of this announced and mutually agreed upon visit by OCFS is to review and assess the quality of the child care being provided as well as compliance with the Department’s Rising Stars for ME rules and policies.

Please send an email to Amber Taurasi at amber.taurasi@maine.gov or call 626-8684 for the following:

·       If you are interested in having your program participate in the site visit pilot, with your license number, current star rating, licensed capacity, and the address of your child care;

·       If you require interpretation to participate in the pilot; or

·       If you have any questions;

Deadline to contact Amber Taurasi for the pilot is January 15, 2024.