How to start a preschool in Maine

Aspiring preschool founders in Maine will find a rewarding opportunity to contribute to early childhood development within the state. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) is the primary licensing authority, responsible for ensuring all child care facilities meet state regulations to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. Prospective providers should familiarise themselves with the specific licensing rules, as these vary depending on the type of facility you intend to open, whether it's a family child care home or a larger child care facility. The OCFS offers resources and guidance throughout this process, including forms and information on background checks, which are mandated for all licensed providers. Additionally, cities and counties within Maine may impose supplementary regulations, so a thorough check with local government is advisable to ensure full compliance. Beginning your journey involves understanding these foundational requirements set by the OCFS, ensuring a smooth path to establishing your early years setting in the Pine Tree State.

Regulations

Health safety: The health and safety of children in Maine child care facilities are paramount. Staff members born after 1956 must provide proof of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) immunity (vaccination record or titers), and all staff must have a Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccination within the last 10 years. Children under six weeks of age are not permitted in child care facilities. All children must be supervised at all times. In smaller facilities (3-12 children), staff must be able to see or hear all children and intervene promptly. For children under eight outdoors, staff must be physically present. In larger facilities (13+ children), staff must be able to see and hear all children. During napping or sleeping, direct supervision by awake staff must be maintained, with dimmed but adequate lighting. Sleeping children are to be checked in person at least every 30 minutes, and monitors with video and audio may be used in adjacent nap spaces. Facilities must also have a written crisis plan for emergencies when only one staff member is present and attend to any child crying or crying out.

Licensing overview: In Maine, child care providers are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit. The licensing process involves submitting a comprehensive application, including a detailed floor plan of the premises. An application fee may be applicable. Upon receipt of the application, a Child Care Licensing Specialist will contact the applicant to discuss progress and proposed opening dates. For facilities intending to care for 13 or more children, approval from the State Fire Marshal's Office is mandatory, requiring a construction permit and a fire safety inspection. Once the application is complete and all preliminary checks are satisfied, an OCFS Licensing Specialist will conduct an inspection of the home and grounds to ensure safety and compliance with all regulations before a license is issued. Incomplete applications will be voided after 60 days.

Licensing authority: Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services, Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit

Staff qualifications: All child care staff members in Maine working without direct supervision must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16 and 17 must be directly supervised by an adult over 18. All staff must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively enrolled in a high school or GED/HiSET preparation program. They must demonstrate the ability to comply with all laws and rules, provide safe and compassionate services, and have a history of honest conduct. Staff transporting children must complete a Department-approved transportation training. Facilities caring for 3-12 children require a primary caregiver, director, or lead teacher who is at least 18, holds current adult and pediatric first aid and CPR certification, and has completed at least 6 hours of specific pre-licensing training. For facilities serving 13-20 children, a director or lead teacher (who may be the owner) must be at least 21 years old and meet specific educational or experience requirements, such as a high school diploma/equivalent plus 12 months in a licensed program and 12 hours of training, or 30 credit hours of college.

Facility requirements: Child care facilities in Maine must submit a floor plan with their application, accurately reflecting the areas of the home or facility to be used for child care, including dimensions. For facilities intending to care for 13 or more children, approval from the State Fire Marshal’s Office is required, necessitating a construction permit and an inspection to ensure fire safety measures are in place. The OCFS conducts inspections of the entire home and grounds for safety, including a lead hazards survey. Facilities on a private water source must demonstrate satisfactory water quality through testing by a Maine-certified laboratory for contaminants such as fluoride, uranium, arsenic, first-draw lead, nitrates, and total coliform bacteria. If serving 25 or more people (children and staff) on a private well, connection to a public water system is required. When children are grouped by age in programs serving 13 or more children, groups must be visually and physically separated by a partition within a room or specific area.

Curriculum requirements: The provided sources do not specify a mandated curriculum framework for early years settings in Maine. However, staff qualifications highlight key areas of training that suggest an emphasis on comprehensive child development. These include healthy, safe environments, child development, observation and assessment, developmentally appropriate practice, guidance, relationships with families, individual and cultural diversity, children with special needs, and business and professional development. This implies that while a specific framework like EYFS or NQF may not be obligatory, providers are expected to implement practices that align with these developmental principles. The focus is likely on holistic child care practices that cater to the diverse needs of children, fostering their growth and well-being in a safe and supportive setting. General guidance suggests that curricula should be age-appropriate and promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Maine vary significantly based on the scale and type of early years setting. A small home-based family child care operation might incur lower costs for minor renovations, initial licensing fees (if applicable), and essential supplies. A purpose-built centre for 60-100 children, however, will face substantial expenses for property acquisition or extensive leasehold improvements, comprehensive fire safety upgrades, robust playground equipment, and a larger initial inventory of educational materials and furniture. Operational costs will also fluctuate with staffing levels, facility size, utility expenses, and ongoing programmatic needs.

Timeline

1. Review Licensing Rules (Ongoing): Familiarise yourself with the specific Maine child care licensing rules, as these differ based on the proposed facility type (e.g., family child care or child care facility). The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) website provides detailed regulations that must be adhered to. This foundational step ensures a clear understanding of all requirements before proceeding with the application.

2. Complete and Submit Application (2-4 weeks): Download and complete the Child Care Application form available from the Maine DHHS OCFS website. This includes submitting a detailed floor plan showing the layout of the space to be used for child care. Additionally, the 'Authorization for Release of Personal History Information' from the back of the application must be included. An application fee may be applicable. Incomplete applications will be voided after 60 days if no action is taken by the applicant.

3. State Fire Marshal's Office Approval (for 13+ children) (4-8 weeks): If planning to care for 13 or more children, contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at 207-626-3880 to apply for a construction permit and arrange for an inspection. Approval is mandatory for new or existing buildings to be used for child care. The Fire Marshal will assess fire safety measures and may issue a List of Deficiencies requiring a Plan of Corrections to be submitted within 10 days. Licensing cannot proceed until this inspection is passed.

4. Child Care Licensing Specialist Inspection (2-4 weeks): After submitting your application, an OCFS Child Care Licensing Specialist will contact you to schedule an inspection of your home and grounds. This inspection covers overall safety, lead hazards, and verifies staff credentials such as MMR immunity and Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccinations. If transporting children, a Bureau of Motor Vehicles driving record check and proof of approved transportation training will be required. For private water sources, a water test from an approved lab is necessary.

5. Address Deficiencies and Final Approval (Varies): Following the inspection, the Licensing Specialist will provide a copy of their findings, listing any pending items or deficiencies that need to be addressed to qualify for a license. You will need to rectify these issues within a reasonable timeframe. Once all requirements are met and verified, and both fire safety and health inspections are passed, your child care license will be issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Training (Ongoing): Even after receiving your license, continuous compliance with Maine's child care licensing rules is essential. This includes maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios, ensuring ongoing staff qualifications and training, and adhering to all health and safety regulations. Regular inspections by the OCFS will occur to ensure continued adherence to state standards, fostering a safe and enriching environment for children under your care.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What are the first steps to opening a child care facility in Maine?

The initial steps involve thoroughly reviewing the specific child care licensing rules provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). These rules differ based on whether you plan to operate a family child care home or a larger child care facility. After understanding the regulations, the next step is to complete and submit the Child Care Application, along with a detailed floor plan of your proposed facility. For facilities serving 13 or more children, it is also crucial to engage with the State Fire Marshal's Office early in the process to ensure fire safety compliance.

Do I need a fire inspection to open a preschool in Maine?

Yes, if you plan to be licensed for 13 or more children in Maine, contact the State Fire Marshal's Office (Phone: 207-626-3880) to apply for a construction permit and receive approval. This is a mandatory step for using new or existing buildings as child care facilities. The Fire Marshal will conduct an inspection, and licensing cannot proceed until your home or facility has passed this fire safety inspection. You may be required to submit a Plan of Corrections within 10 days if deficiencies are identified.

What are the background check requirements for child care providers in Maine?

All licensed child care providers and staff in Maine are subject to a comprehensive background check as outlined in the 10-148, Ch. 34 – Child Care Provider Background Check Licensing Rule. The Maine DHHS OCFS Background Check Unit manages this process. This includes an Authorization for Release of Personal History Information, which must be submitted with your child care application. The purpose is to ensure all individuals involved in child care have a history of honest and lawful conduct and can provide safe services to children. Further details and required forms are available on the OCFS website.

What health requirements are there for staff in Maine child care facilities?

In Maine, child care staff members born after 1956 must have proof of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) immunity, either through vaccination records or titers. Additionally, all staff must have a Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccination that is current, meaning it must have been administered within the last 10 years. These immunisation requirements are verified during the inspection process by the Child Care Licensing Specialist to ensure the health and safety of both children and staff within the facility.

Are there specific water quality requirements for child care facilities in Maine?

Yes, child care facilities in Maine that use a private water source must submit a copy of a water test from an approved Maine-certified laboratory. The test must check for fluoride, uranium, arsenic, a first-draw lead sample, nitrates, and total coliform bacteria to demonstrate satisfactory water quality. Facilities and Family Child Care applicants serving water from a municipal public water system only need to test one first-draw lead sample. Importantly, any facility serving 25 or more people (children and staff) on a private well must be connected to a public water system.

What is the policy on children's ages in Maine child care facilities?

In Maine, children under six weeks of age are not permitted to be cared for in a licensed Child Care Facility. This is verified by a birth certificate or immunization record. The rules for staff-to-child ratios and group sizes are also determined by the age of the children, with specific ratios for infants (6 weeks-12 months), toddlers (12-36 months), preschoolers (37 months-school age), and school-age children (Grades K-6). When combining ages within a group, the ratio and group size are determined by the age of the youngest child present.