Child Care Resource & Referral Services for Hancock and Washington Counties

 Training 2011-2012

Changes in the availability of training: Child Care Opportunities RDC is planning trainings for our contract period of October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. Budget cuts limit the number MRTQ/State approved trainings that the RDC will be able to offer during this period. At Child Care Opportunities RDC we are finalizing our training plan for the six month period beginning October 1, 2011.

Please make your local RDC aware of your training needs. At Child Care Opportunities RDC we have had an excellent response to our Training Needs Survey. We are using that information to prioritize and plan trainings in Hancock and Washington counties. We are also aware of many providers who are completing credentials or . . . → Read More: RDC Training 2011-2012

Short Term RDC Contracts: The state is required by statute to periodically put all state contracts out to bid through request for proposal (RFP) process. The RDC system will be put out to bid in the fall with the intention that the new contracts will be awarded with implementation on or after April 1, 2012. Consequently, all RDCs, including Child Care Opportunities will be operating on a six month contract. This contract will begin on October 1, 2011 and expire on March 31, 2012.

Services provided by Child Care Opportunities RDC under the current contract include technical assistance, professional development, training, resource library and parent education and  referrals. During the six month contract, Child Care Opportunities will continue to . . . → Read More: Six Month RDC Contracts & Budget Cuts to Quality Initiative Programs

Child care subsidy rates are based on Maine’s published market rates. The subsidy reimbursement rate for FY12 & FY13 will be based on the rates published here.   The recently signed budget sets these rates at the 50th percentile of the current local market rate survey.

Click here to view the 2011 Market Rate Chart

America’s Edge has released a report to show how investments in early care and education increase sales in local businesses, create jobs and grow the economy.

“Maine Business leaders recognize that the key to jump-starting the state’s economy and keeping struggling companies in business is to generate additional sales of local goods and services, while also creating new jobs. That is why, after taking a hard look at the research and calculating returns on investment, Maine business leaders are calling on state and federal policy-makers to invest in early care and education. This report documents that investments in early learning provide a significant, immediate economic boost for local businesses and help build stronger communities over the long term…”  (Please . . . → Read More: Strengthening Maine Businesses Through Investments in Early Care and Education (Report by America’s Edge)

This is just a brief reminder that the new crib standards take effect in December 2012. If you haven’t already done so, you may have to replace existing cribs before that date. As you are planning your operating budget for the next year, make sure to consider your crib needs.

New crib standards for child care providers go into effect on December 28, 2012. If you are purchasing a crib prior to that date, make sure that it complies with new standards. Beginning December 28, 2012 all cribs provided by child care facilities and family child care providers must meet the new federal standards.   (Guide to New Crib Standards)