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OCFS home > Early Childhood > Child Care and Head Start > Information for Parents > Resource Development Centers

Resource Development Centers

The Department of Health and Human Services funds eleven Regional Child Care Resource Development Centers (RDCs). Find out which RDC services your area.
Resource Development Centers support child care providers by:
  • Maintaining a Referral Database: Providers can register with their regional RDC by contacting them with basic program information. Parents call the RDC for referrals and all programs that meet the criteria that a parent is looking for will be offered. This is free advertising with minimal input from the provider. The RDCs do rely on the provider to report any updates or changes in their program.
  • Resource Materials: Most RDCs have a "Resource Lending Library", although they may call it another name. These "libraries" may offer books, activity guides, educational materials, toys, videos, and/or cassettes that are loaned out for a certain period of time.
  • Newsletters: Many RDCs offer a newsletter, usually monthly or quarterly, that offers information about child care issues, including educational opportunities, state news, and health and safety concerns.
  • Technical Assistance: RDC staff are trained to assist child care providers in many areas. An RDC Educational Specialist can provide consultations regarding continuing education and career development. If the staff person is unable to answer the question immediately, they are usually able to research the question or refer the provider to another source. The RDCs in Maine keep up-to-date on child care issues that affect child care providers and they can refer providers to local and state-wide resources, such as Child Care Plus ME or Maine Roads to Quality.
  • Scholarships: Some of the RDCs have financial assistance available for providers to attend a course, workshop, or conference. Funding is usually limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis, depending on availability.
  • Training: Each RDC has a Training Coordinator who organizes their regional trainings. These include core-knowledge training through Maine Roads to Quality and other training, such as conferences, guest speakers, health and safety, and interest based topics such as literacy or transitions.