Finding Childcare in Portland
Childcare is essential to the functioning and success of a family, however it is often extremely difficult to find proper child care while also being able to support the financial cost. Click along on the journey map to see possibilities to make childcare more accessible and affordable for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quality Care?
Quality for ME was created by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide parents a way to easily identify high-quality early childhood and education programs. The rating system is based on four steps, each step leading to higher quality. Step Four is the highest step a program/provider can achieve. All licensed child care programs in Maine – family child care, child care centers, school-age programs – are eligible to participate.
What is TANF?
TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The TANF program, which is time-limited, assists families with children when the parents or other responsible relatives cannot provide for the family's basic needs. The Federal government provides grants to States to run the TANF program.
What is Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care?
For many families, the most appropriate choice is a family member or neighbor to provide child care. This type of child care is referred to as “informal,” “license-exempt,” or “Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN).” This type of care is usually someone caring for two children or less not related to the caregiver. (If someone cares for more than 2 children not related to them, then they need to be licensed.)