Welcome to SKCDC

We offer high quality early learning programs throughout Southern Kennebec County and serve children and families from birth right up to Kindergarten. With a variety of program options and locations, SKCDC offers learning experiences that support school readiness, family engagement, and fun! We welcome you to learn more about our Head Start and Child Care programs.
Open Enrollment
Head Start
Early Head Start
and Child Care services
for children birth-age five.
Begin Enrollment!
We are Hiring!
We welcome applications from enthusiastic and
energetic individuals who love working with the
youngest generation to join our team.
  • Teachers
  • Assistant Teachers
  • Administrative Staff
    For our Head Start and Early Head Start classes.
    • Join Our Team!
    The Pyramid Model
    The Pyramid Model is used for Promoting
    Social Emotional Competence in Infants and
    Young Children. To help parents better
    understand how this framework will support
    child development the staff at SKCDC
    has created an informative video that
    fully explains the Pyramid Model.
    Learn More
    Children’s Oral Health
    SKCDC partners with the Children’s Oral Health Network to
    offer a Virtual Dental Home (VDH) care at our local
    Head Start centers.
    Click Here

    Winter Weather

    When stormy weather impacts
    our operations you can find the
    latest updates at
    News Center Maine.

    Enrolled families will receive
    information via the
    One Call Now notification system.
    Early Head Start

    Gardiner Center Open House

    We loved welcoming families at the Gardiner Center Open House! Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms are ready for an amazing year of learning,

    Read More »
    September 3, 2025 No Comments
    Uncategorized

    We Belong at SKCDC!

    We closed out our Thursday morning professional development with this team picture — a wonderful reminder of the dedicated staff who make SKCDC such a

    Read More »
    August 26, 2025 No Comments
    “Everyone I have encountered there has been super nice and helpful.”
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    “I'm very happy with the program my child is attending. It's been a great place for my child to start his learning."
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    “I am grateful for this program. I wouldn't change a thing.”
    Annual Family Survey, 2023
    “I love the open communication with my child's teacher. She is great at keeping families updated and responds so quickly. I love how much my child has learned this year already. Makes me confident he is ready for Kindergarten.”
    Annual Family Survey, 2023
    "I like that my daughter has been able to socialize with other kids. The teachers are fantastic, and she has learned so much since being in the classroom.”
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    "Not only has my child learned an incredible amount, but she loves school and is clearly in a safe, nurturing environment."
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    "I like how comfortable I feel with all the staff and how much they enjoy my child. They have been supportive to our situation, and my child has thrived attending school here."
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    "The staff is friendly, supportive and are very good about staying in contact with regards to how my child is doing. The center is clean, orderly, and my child loves going. She has learned many new skills in different areas."
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    "I love that she's made new friends. She loves school already. She's much more prepared for Pre-K. She's also learned and come a long way this year developmentally."
    Annual Family Survey 2023
    "The program my kiddo is in has been amazing! He has had so much interaction with other kids and he really seems to enjoy going. I am beyond grateful to the amazingly wonderful staff."
    Annual Family Survey 2023