Training

Find training that supports your individual needs around your work with children and licensing requirements.

~ In-Person (within Maine) ~

Time-Sensitive

The Regulated Classroom

The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) and Maine Department of Education (DOE) are excited to announce that they have partnered with The Regulated Classroom to offer a training program to support educator well-being and student engagement.
This opportunity is fully funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant and is offered at no cost to participants.

Training is open to providers in licensed programs working with children from birth through school age.

Participants will be trained as trainers in the framework and provided with the knowledge, tools, resources, and facilitation skills needed to support implementation in their own settings. They will be encouraged to share this learning within their schools, child care programs, and communities by leading training opportunities, facilitating discussions with colleagues, and supporting ongoing professional learning.

Available Training Sessions:
 August 18 & 19 in-person in Augusta (specific location to be determined)
 August 13, 14, 17, and 20 from 9:00am-12:00pm virtually

Please complete the Regulated Classroom Consideration Survey to place your name on the consideration list for one of the upcoming Train the Trainer sessions.

We will accept up to 40 participants per session, with two sessions available in total. Based on survey responses, participants will be assigned to sessions, and a waitlist will be maintained in the event that a selected participant is unable to attend. Once participant lists have been finalized, registration instructions and additional details will be emailed to you.
Since spots are limited, please complete the survey as soon as possible. The last day to complete the survey will be 5PM on July 24, 2026.

⭐ Please note: Your spot will not be confirmed until you complete the survey, are offered a space, and then complete a registration process.
Additional questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Renee Reilly, Preschool Development Grant Manager, at renee.a.reilly@maine.gov.

Emergent Literacy Facilitator Training for Early Childhood Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is offering a FREE professional learning opportunity for educators interested in becoming trained facilitators of professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on emergent literacy for children ages 3-6.

The Professional Learning Community (PLC): Emergent Literacy modules support preschool and kindergarten teachers in implementing evidence-based language and literacy strategies. Designed to foster collaboration, these modules guide early childhood educators through discussion, hands-on activities, and reflective practice with peer and facilitator support.

The PLC includes four modules: Print Knowledge, Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, and Oral Language. Each module consists of three sessions (12 total sessions), with flexible scheduling options. Facilitators will receive comprehensive materials, including a participant guide, a facilitator guide, a slide presentation, and videos. Facilitator training will familiarize participants in the design of the PLC modules and best practices for use with educators.

The ideal facilitator will be an educator with a strong understanding of emergent literacy, effective communication skills, and the ability to relate well to adult learners. Experience with group facilitation of adult learners will be useful for the success of the facilitator.

Facilitators will participate in a day-long training session on August 20, 2026, in Waterville (travel costs covered) followed by a virtual session in early fall. Once trained, facilitators will be expected to facilitate at least one PLC module with at least six Maine educators. They will be compensated $500 for each module that they facilitate by November 27, 2026. If facilitators want to seek compensation for facilitating more than one module, they will need to seek prior approval.

This professional learning opportunity is sponsored by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant Birth to Age 5 (PDG B-5), a collaboration between the Maine Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.

To apply, please complete this application by July 17, 2026. The review team will evaluate all applications and notify applicants of their selection status by July 24, 2026.

For additional information, please contact Renee Reilly, Preschool Development Grant Manager, at Renee.A.Reilly@maine.gov.

ECE Conferences

2026 York County Conference was held

Another successful conference supporting professionals working in Early Childhood Education and Care. Hope to see many of you next year. Check back here for formation.

First Saturday of April 2027

Aroostook County 2026 Conference was held

Another successful conference supporting professionals working in Early Childhood Education and Care. Hope to see many of you next year. Check back here for formation.

1st Saturday of May 2027

Northern Maine Community College

MaineAEYC 2026 Statewide Conference

Cross Insurance Center in Bangor

October 23-24, 2026 – attend for just 1 or both days

Registration is now open

MaineAEYC Member Rates

1-Day Ticket: $70
2-Day Ticket: $130

Non-Member Rates

1-Day Ticket: $80
2-Day Ticket: $150

50% Refund: Cancellations received on or before September 25, 2026 / No Refunds: After October 9, 2026

~ On Going ~

Maine Early Childhood Outdoors (MaineECO) offer training in Maine for providers which presents the groups belief in the power of nature to support early childhood development. Their website shares offered trainings in the drop down menu under “Work with US”: Professional Development