MRTQ PDN offers cohorts to support programs seeking or maintaining national accreditation (National Association of Family Child Care, National Association for the Education of Young Children, or Council on Accreditation) and for individuals compiling the necessary evidence to earn one of the Maine credentials: Director, Family Child Care, Inclusion, Infant/Toddler, Technical Assistance, or Youth Development.
The Technical Assistance Competencies for Maine’s Early Childhood Workforce defines peer-to-peer networks (cohorts, communities or practice, professional learning communities) as “groups of practitioners engaging to improve their skills and knowledge through collaborative study, expertise exchange, and professional dialogue.” The cohort model provides an opportunity for the same group of individuals or programs to proceed towards achieving a common goal within the same timeframe.
A cohort consists of between 6 and 12 members and a facilitator with content expertise.
Cohorts meet monthly for 2 hours either in person or through video conferencing.
Depending on the focus, cohorts convene for between 6 and 18 months,
The facilitator manages the logistics of the cohort meetings, keeps the meetings on track and meaningful, and helps to build a sense of community and belonging for each cohort member.
Cohort members are responsible for regular attendance and completion of all tasks agreed upon by the group between meetings.
Cohorts are FREE and participants will earn MRTQ PDN professional growth activity hours* based on meeting attendance.
* Hours attended are accepted by Maine Child Care Licensing to meet yearly training requirements.
Accreditation Cohorts
The accreditation cohort model follows the premise that peer learning can be a positive influence on advancing progress towards identified and shared goals. Each cohort is specific to supporting programs through either National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), or Council on Accreditation (COA) accreditation and participation is FREE!
Cohort members consist of the program owner/director or person who has the primary responsibility for the accreditation process. A cohort provides an opportunity to develop shared understandings of the accreditation process. Accreditation cohorts span a period of up to 18 months, meeting monthly for 2 hours.
During cohort meetings, the group will discuss and consider the documentation needed to meet each of the accreditation standards. Between meetings, participants are expected to work on accreditation standards. Meetings are an opportunity to report progress, offer encouragement, brainstorm with each other and discuss challenges and accomplishments. The facilitator has an in-depth understanding of the process and standards as defined by the accrediting organization.
Participation in an MRTQ PDN accreditation cohort is voluntary and does not guarantee that a program will become accredited.
Accreditation Cohort FAQs Request to Join an Accreditation Cohort! Accreditation Cohort Participant Overview
Credential Cohorts
The credential cohort model follows the premise that peer learning can be a positive influence on advancing progress towards identified and shared goals, and participation is FREE!
Participants have met eligibility requirements for the credential and have completed the required credential training* and are prepared to compile their portfolio with the goal of applying for a Maine Credential.
Each cohort is specific to one of the Maine Credentials: Family Child Care, Infant/Toddler, Youth Development, Director, Inclusion, or Technical Assistance.
The cohort provides an opportunity to develop shared understandings of the credential process. Meetings are an opportunity to report progress, offer encouragement, brainstorm with each other and discuss challenges and accomplishments. The cohort spans a timeframe of 6 months with regular monthly meetings. During cohort meetings, the group will discuss and consider the documentation needed to meet each of the portfolio requirements.
Participation in an MRTQ PDN credential cohort is voluntary and does not guarantee that the participant will be awarded a Maine Credential.
Credential Cohort FAQs Credential Cohort Participant Overview
Need more information about TA services? Contact our TA Manager, Lee Lingelbach: lee.lingelbach@maine.edu