child care

More than a dozen child care centers across the state closed for at least part of the day Tuesday so educators and families could protest proposed cuts to childcare stipends.

The office said exhaust from a propane-powered saw likely infiltrated Building Blocks Learning Center through the building's air ducts.

The progressive leaning Maine Center for Economic Policy estimates that the $30 million cut proposed by governor Janet Mills will reduce the average earnings for nearly 7,500 child care workers by $4,000 over two years.

A newly renovated building in Bangor will bring housing and childcare assistance under one roof.

The Catholic Foundation of Maine today announced a new endowment to help parents enrolled in a certificate or degree program pay for child care.

The top four floors of the six-story building would house 60 apartments, with 80% designated as affordable. The bottom floors would be the home of the service provider, Youth & Family Outreach, and provide childcare and pre-K to 110 children.

The two-year pilot program, which goes into effect this month, is one of several childcare initiatives included in a state budget deal last year.

The nonprofit made the official announcement Tuesday after being approved for nearly $1.5 million in federal and state funds.

In Lewiston Monday, the Maine People's Alliance joined YWCA Central Maine for a Day Without Child Care to highlight the challenges facing Maine's child care industry.

Rayitos de Sol is getting $831,000 to construct a new building in Milbridge.