Advocacy Impact
In partnership with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), MaineAEYC is committed to developing a system of quality early childhood education (birth to 8) and supporting appropriate regulatory, governance, finance, and accountability mechanisms. To achieve these goals, MaineAEYC informs our network about local, state, and federal policies and advocates on behalf of the early care and education workforce, families, and young children.
Bills Supported
People Engaged In Advocacy
Our Biggest Victories
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IMPROVING THE CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR PROVIDERS
With the passage of LD 1726 in 2023: Providers will now be reimbursed for any children in their program receiving subsidy within 15 days (instead of 30).
Providers shall receive retroactive reimbursement if their provided tuition assistance to a subsidy applicant during the application period.
Providers will be notified within 2 business days of when a recipient's eligibility changes.
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INCREASING SUBSIDY ELIGIBILITY FOR FAMILIES
With the passage of LD 1726 in 2023:
Families are eligible for child care subsidies if they earn up to 125% of the State's median income. (This was increased from 85%).
Families are eligible to participate in Head Start programs if they earn up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
Child care staff and employees are now eligible for subsidy funding in the Maine Child Care Affordability Program.
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ECE WAGES ARE INCREASED IN TIERED SYSTEM
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, ECE professionals in Maine received a $200/month stipend to supplement their wages. With the passage of LD 1652 in 2022, we guaranteed that all child care professionals would continue to receive this supplement AND the passage of LD 1726 in 2023 increased the wage supplements adding an additional $15 million annual investment to support a tiered salary supplement system.
Please see our Resources for ECE Professionals tab for more information on the Salary Supplement Tiers
