First 4 ME model supports community–based solutions to improve the lives of families and their children when transitioning from child care settings into the school system. In order to meet the individual needs of children, families, and child care providers, the First4ME model is unique in each community.
First 4 ME History: In 2021 Governor Mills signed legislation to create the First4ME model, which will provide quality care and healthy development for children, support the needs of working families, and improve compensation for educators while providing them with coaching and professional development. Based on a successful Early Head Start Child Care Partnership program in Skowhegan, three communities in York, Cumberland, and Aroostook counties were awarded funding in May of 2023 to design and pilot a similar program based on community needs. (Maine Children’s Alliance)
First 4 ME has four main goals:
To help children prepare for Kindergarten and become life-long learners.
To support child care providers and their programs so they will best be able to provide high-quality child care and education to young children in your community.
To help improve the quality of life for families and the quality of programing for child care providers by working closely with families, child care providers and community members to identify and address needs.
To maintain children in their child care settings as it best meets the needs of each individual child and family.
Why should I participate?
Families of children enrolled in a participating First 4 ME child care center play an important role in the success of the First 4 ME pilot. The experiences shared with YCCAC as the partner organization can help support each family, and the community as a whole.
Benefits to participation can include:
Stipends for participation in First4ME surveys and activities.
Increased support for child(ren) through routine screenings and early access to tools, activities and experiences that help children learn important skills.
Consistent, quality child care programming for child(ren).
Access to a community coach who:
Respects and values individual families.
Helps build a home-school connection for children and families.
Supports positive transitions for children and families when children start or change settings.
Works closely with child care providers to support program quality.
supports families on family-identified goals and needs.
How do I participate?
Your child needs to attend a First 4 ME child care program.
Work with the First 4 ME community coach to explore your family’s strengths and needs.
Complete surveys and participate in focus groups with a professional evaluator.
Consider attending the First 4 ME family events or activities.
Questions: For more information about the First4ME Pilot Program, contact our First 4 ME Community Coach @ 207-569-5151
First 4 ME
What is First 4 ME?
First 4 ME model supports community–based solutions to improve the lives of families and their children when transitioning from child care settings into the school system. In order to meet the individual needs of children, families, and child care providers, the First4ME model is unique in each community.
First 4 ME History: In 2021 Governor Mills signed legislation to create the First4ME model, which will provide quality care and healthy development for children, support the needs of working families, and improve compensation for educators while providing them with coaching and professional development. Based on a successful Early Head Start Child Care Partnership program in Skowhegan, three communities in York, Cumberland, and Aroostook counties were awarded funding in May of 2023 to design and pilot a similar program based on community needs. (Maine Children’s Alliance)
First 4 ME has four main goals:
Why should I participate?
Families of children enrolled in a participating First 4 ME child care center play an important role in the success of the First 4 ME pilot. The experiences shared with YCCAC as the partner organization can help support each family, and the community as a whole.
Benefits to participation can include:
Stipends for participation in First4ME surveys and activities.
Access to a community coach who:
supports families on family-identified goals and needs.
How do I participate?
Questions:
For more information about the First4ME Pilot Program, contact our First 4 ME Community Coach @ 207-569-5151
Non-Discrimination Statement