How Mid-Coast Resource Development Center Can Help You

One of Mid-Coast Resource Development Center’s (MCRDC) core functions is to support child care professionals. MCRDC is available to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. Our support to child care professionals comes in many forms.

Referral Database
Mid-Coast Resource Development Center has a database of licensed providers in the Mid-Coast region that we refer to when families call seeking child care information. We receive nearly 1,000 calls each year from families seeking care and related information. Listing with us is free advertising for child care professionals. The data collected about child care programs in the area is useful for MCRDC to advocate for early care and education in Maine. We rely on child care programs to update us regularly with any changes to the program (i.e. enrollment, fees charged, address changes, training changes, etc.) to provide accurate referrals to families. To update your program profile you can access our toll-free referral line at 1-877-684-0466. To fill out a profile on-line go to MCRDC Provider Registration form.

Daily Technical Assistance
Child Care professionals can call their MCRDC anytime during business hours with any questions or concerns they may have at any given time. Staff can assist providers in finding useful resources that will help them with their day-to-day business.

Consumer Education
Often, child care professionals want to increase their knowledge on a given topic (i.e. Maine Roads to Quality, what it means to be accredited, writing contracts and policies, etc.) and staff at MCRDC are here to help. Whether it is information given over the phone, written materials sent, or helpful web sites; RDC staff are trained in many areas to help educate consumers on early care and education.

Quarterly Newsletter
Mid-Coast Resource Development Center’s Education Specialist and Coordinator write and publish a quarterly newsletter sent out in the fall, winter, spring, and summer of the year The newsletter includes training updates, available resources, news on exciting child care initiatives and tips from other caregivers. We are always looking for ideas for our newsletter and welcome provider input.

Resource Materials
Many times professionals are seeking a book, video, or other types of material to assist them in their work. Each RDC has a lending library available to providers and parents. We can also mail materials to interested providers.

On-Site Assistance
Depending on staff availability and expertise, on-site assistance could be available to assist a professional in problem-solving an issue that he/she may be experiencing.

Career Counseling
Mid-Coast Resource Development Center’s Education Specialist is available to meet with interested professionals around professional development issues (i.e. further education, other types of career opportunities in the early care and education field, hiring an employee, etc.). Face-to-face consultations can be made by appointment with the Education Specialist.

Scholarships
Mid-Coast RDC has some resources for professionals who are seeking scholarship assistance to attend a course, workshop, or conference. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis and a scholarship form must be filled out

Referrals to Other Community Agencies
Mid-Coast Resource Development Center works closely with other agencies in the area which support children and families. Many of these agencies have services to assist children directly (i.e. Child Development Services) while others can assist the child care professional directly (i.e. Child Care Plus ME)