Maine Child Care Training | Care Courses

National Childcare Credentials in Maine

Use our courses toward a CDA Credential and for NAC and CDA renewal.

Click for more information: National Child Care Credentials

Click to learn how a CDA Credential can benefit you in Maine.

Maine Childcare Training Requirements

All Care Courses are accepted by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for hours of ongoing training for those who work in child care facilities, nursery schools and family child care programs. This includes directors, head teachers, operators, providers, staff, substitutes, volunteers, group leaders, aides, assistants and licensees.

All Care Courses are accepted for the 90 contact hours of in-service training needed to renew a Professional Teacher Certificate or the 45 contact hours of in-service training to renew a Certified Educational Technician. One clock hour = one contact hour.

Please note the in-service training may not have been used previously to renew the same certificate and must have been earned within the five years prior to the renewal.

All Care Courses are accepted for Ed Tech upgrades from one level to the next.

For Ed Tech levels:

• Ed Tech I – requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent
• Ed Tech II – 900 contact hours (equals 900 clock hours)
• Ed Tech III – 1,350 contact hours (equals 1,350 clock hours)

Fifteen contact hours = 1 college semester hour. Educators can use a combination of both semester and contact hours to fulfill the Ed Tech level requirements.

Opening a childcare facility in Maine

For those of you interested in starting a daycare center or home-based child care facility in Maine, please contact your state licensing agency using the contact information below. The licensing agency can give you advice on the requirements, rules and regulations of your state.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Office of Child and Family Services, Children’s Licensing and Investigation Services

Phone: (207) 287-9300 or (800) 791-4080
Office of Child and Family Services online contact form