New Resources for Maine Early Learning Development Standards

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Department of Education are pleased to announce the release of updated resources designed to support the effective use of the Infant/Toddler and Preschool Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS). These tools offer practical, accessible guidance for families, caregivers, and educators, helping to bring the MELDS into everyday early childhood settings. To support accessibility, all materials are now available in the five most commonly spoken languages in Maine—English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Portuguese—ensuring families and early childhood professionals across the state can use these resources effectively, regardless of their primary language.

Key resources include:

• User-friendly guides to developmental milestones
• Practical strategies for implementing learning standards
• Straightforward explanations of age-appropriate expectations.

All resources are available to download for free on the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/earlychildhood/standards

For more information, please see the attached memo.

Tara Williams
Associate Director of Early Care and Education
Office of Child and Family Services

• 06112025 MELDS Resources Memo.pdf