Publications

Nonpartisan research and policy institute pursuing federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways and help low-income people.

Connect to your future with MaineSpark. Their powerful network of organizations share a common goal: by 2025, 60% of Mainers will hold education and workforce credentials that position Maine and its families for success. No matter what path you choose for your own future, they are here to connect you.

Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, is part of the national KIDS COUNT® network, a state-by-state effort funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) to track the status of children across the United States. The Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book, produced every other year, is the comprehensive report of the well-being of children in Maine.

Enacted in 1997 and expanded with bipartisan support since 2001, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps working families offset the cost of raising children. It is worth up to $2,000 per eligible child (under age 17 at the end of the tax year). The CTC also includes a $500 non-refundable credit for families with qualifying non-child dependents.

Based on our experiences and knowledge of available research and promising practices, we offer the following five priority reform recommendations for making both immediate and long-term improvements to the systems designed to protect children and strengthen families.

With access to reliable, nutritious food, our children are ready to play, learn and grow. MCA works with Full Plates Full Potential to reduce food insecurity and end child hunger. It takes all of us to create healthy, hunger-free kids!

This report reminds policymakers and child advocates of the barriers that young families face. It examines national and state-level trends — highlighting areas of opportunity and concern — and then shares potential solutions that can help these families thrive.

This report presents findings from a survey of Maine’s early care and education (ECE) teachers and providers about their experiences related to young children with challenging behavior. The Social-Emotional Learning and Development (SELD) Survey was part of a larger study assigned by a committee of the Maine State Legislature to the Maine Children’s Growth Council and two state agencies. 

Research demonstrates that young children thrive when they have strong relationships with caring, responsive adults and when they are provided age-appropriate, stimulating environments. We also know that 67% of Maine children under the age of six have both parents in the workforce and will require care from birth until they reach public school.  

This report from the Maine Women's Policy Center highlights the experiences of Maine parents who are trying to access early childhood programs or find quality, affordable child care while they work or go to school. It outlines a number of strategies, that when implemented together, have the potential to transform Maine’s early childhood system and lead us into a more prosperous future.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a critical program with a long history of bipartisan support and a track record of success that provides quality, affordable health care coverage to children from low-income households, who don’t meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid.1,2 CHIP ensures these Maine kids can access the health care they need to stay on track to become healthy, successful adults.  

With quality health care coverage, Maine children and families can access the health care they need to become active and vibrant participants in our state, communities and economy. However, the new senate health care bill, threatens the health and well-being of all Mainers, especially children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. It overhauls the Medicaid program, weakens essential health benefits/patient protection, and leaves more Mainers without health insurance.