Culture and Values
Family/Fun/Integrity/Respect
Life Long Learners
Family
At our childcare center, we cherish the value of
family, creating a warm and nurturing environment where children feel a sense of belonging and security, and fostering
strong connections between parents, caregivers, and the extended community.
Fun
Learning is best achieved when it's enjoyable. Through engaging activities and play, we encourage children to explore their creativity, develop social skills and cultivate a lifelong love
for learning, making their time at our center both educational and fun-filled.
Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of our center. We uphold honest and transparent communication with families, ensuring trust and confidence in our services. Our staff exemplifies ethical behavior, teaching children the importance of honesty, responsibility, and accountability in their everyday interactions.
Respect
Respect is paramount in our childcare community. We promote a culture of kindness and empathy, teaching children to value differences appreciate diverse perspectives,
and treat everyone with dignity. By fostering
respect, we create a harmonious environment where every child feels valued and accepted.
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Lifelong Learners
We instill the love for learning early in
life, fostering a curiosity-driven mindset that stays with children as they grow. Our educators serve as role models, demonstrating the joy of continuous learning, and inspiring children to explore, question, and discover the world around
them, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of intellectual growth and personal development.
Curriculum
Infant Program
We offer a nurturing and gentle environment for our infants, placing
their safety above all else. Our dedicated staff provides affectionate
care, holding them during feeding and encouraging play when they
are awake, supporting the development of their motor skills. Our
curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with Maine's infant and
toddler learning development Standards, providing a holistic
approach to their growth and development. We also maintain strict
safety protocols to ensure their well-being and security at all times.
Toddler Program
We provide nurturing and gentle care to our toddlers, always
prioritizing their safety. Toddlers are encouraged to enhance both
fine and gross motor skills through activities involving blocks,
puzzles, and various toys. Our curriculum is crafted in alignment
with Maine's infant and toddler learning development Standards,
ensuring a comprehensive approach to their growth and development while implementing stringent safety measures to keep
them secure.
Preschool Program
Our preschool learning program is thoughtfully designed to strike a
balance between playful learning and structured activities, aiding children in developing essential problem-solving, cognitive thinking, and motor skills crucial for their future success. We incorporate dedicated sessions for writing, pre-reading, cutting, and following verbal instructions to complete projects, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Our curriculum is meticulously crafted in accordance with Maine's Early Learning Development Standards, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to early childhood education while implementing rigorous safety measures to create a secure learning environment.
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School Age Program
Our school-age program is rich in diverse outdoor activities, from sliding and gardening to nature walks and team sports, fostering both physical and imaginative development. Indoors, children engage in strategic games like Chess and Checkers, along with puzzles and a reading program where they can share stories and play the role of a teacher. Homework assistance is available upon parental request. During summer, we offer an extended program featuring gardening, bug collections, and fascinating experiences like observing hornworms transform into hummingbird moths. Additionally, we host educational entertainment events such as Mr. Magic and Sparks Arks. Our programs are meticulously designed to nurture each child's potential, emphasizing individual growth without imposing rigid expectations or stereotypes.
Resources
Center For Grieving Children
555 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-5216
The Center for Grieving Children
Is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space, loving peer support, outreach, and education to grieving children, teens, young adults, families, and the community. With services in Portland, Sanford, and virtually, the Center provides services at no cost that are led by dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers thanks to the generous support of our community.
Child Care Licensing Agency
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Child Care Licensing Unit 41 Anthony Avenue, Station 11
Augusta, ME 04333 Phone:(207)287-9300 Fax:(207)287-5031
Contacting childcare licensing is essential for families because it provides crucial information about the licensing status and compliance of childcare providers. This information ensures that the chosen childcare facility meets safety standards, has qualified staff, and follows regulations. Families can make informed decisions, ensuring the well-being and security of their children. By verifying licensing, parents gain peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment, promoting their healthy development and overall happiness.
Child Care Subsidy Agency
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Child Care and Head Start
11 State House Station, Maquardt Building
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone:(207)287-5014
Fax:(207)287-5031
The childcare subsidy program is incredibly useful as it helps families, especially those with limited financial resources, access high-quality childcare services. By offering financial assistance to eligible families, the subsidy program ensures that parents can work or attend school while their children receive proper care and early education. This support not only promotes parents' economic stability but also facilitates children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. By enabling access to affordable and reliable childcare, the subsidy program empowers families, promotes equal opportunities, and contributes to the overall well-being of both parents and children.
Child Care Food Program
Division of Contracted Community Services
Department of Health and Human Services
State House Station, Station 11
21 State St.
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone:(207)287-5060
Fax:(207)287-5031
The CACFP program ensures nutritious meals for eligible care facilities, promoting health. It supports balanced meals in childcare and afterschool programs, aiding children's growth. Additionally, it assists low-income families by subsidizing meal costs, and fostering healthy eating habits. The program also enhances childcare providers' financial stability, allowing focus on quality care. Ultimately, CACFP promotes nutrition, aids families, educates caregivers, and enhances well-being in childcare settings.
State Child Care Resource & Referral
Maine’s Network of Child Care Resource Development Centers â„… Child Care Options
Location: 99 Western Avenue, Suite 6 Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207)626-3617
Toll Free: (888)917-1100
Fax: (207)626-3617
State Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies are essential because they help parents find suitable child care options, provide information about high-quality child care, offer financial assistance to low-income families, support professional development for child care providers, promote inclusive child care, engage with the community to advocate for child care policies and educate parents on child development and parenting skills. CCR&R agencies serve as a valuable resource for both parents and childcare providers, ensuring access to quality care and promoting the well-being of children and families.
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Division of Support Enforcement & Recovery
Bureau of Family Independent
Department of Health and Human Services
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0993
Phone: (800)371-3101
Fax:(207)287-2886
The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is vital because it ensures financial support for children by establishing, enforcing, and collecting child support payments from noncustodial parents. OCSE's efforts help secure children's well-being, provide financial stability for custodial parents, and reduce the burden on public assistance programs, promoting family self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Child Abuse Reporting
Child abuse reporting is crucial as it safeguards the well-being of children by ensuring timely intervention when abuse is suspected or confirmed. Reporting enables authorities to protect the child from further harm, provide necessary support, and hold perpetrators accountable. It is a fundamental step in preventing child abuse and neglect, promoting child safety, and upholding legal and ethical responsibilities.
To report suspected child abuse in Maine, call TTY: (888)963-9490, Toll-Free: (800)452-1999 For national child abuse information, call 800-4-A-CHILD (800)422-4453 or your local CPS agency
Non-discrimination statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department "(Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.