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!
    Beginning in the fall of 2026, SKCDC will be implementing the Kind Mind program.

    Kind Mind is a trauma-informed, evidence-based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework designed for educators, children, and families. It provides actionable, hands-on tools to help teachers manage classrooms while teaching children to self-regulate, build resilience, and develop empathy.
    The curriculum focuses on prevention and building emotional literacy so that children develop foundational mental health skills.
    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.

    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    🌞 Fun in the Sun at Gardiner Center! 🌞

    Our Gardiner Center Family Event was a blast this week, and we loved seeing so many families come out to play with us!

    A few highlights from the afternoon:
    🍧 Strawberry, blueberry and watermelon snow cones kept everyone cool
    🌿 Flavored water infused with mint and basil grown right in our garden
    🧽 Sponge races and obstacle courses got everyone moving
    🫧 Bubbles, water tables, and washable spray bottle "tie-dye" towel art
    🚲 Washing bikes and cars was a huge hit with our Early Head Start families!
    🖍️ Sidewalk chalk kept the creativity flowing
    🛝 And our Executive Director Cristina even got some swinging lessons from one of our sweet Head Start students. Pump those legs, Cristina!

    Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this such a fun afternoon. We loved seeing you play, cool off, and connect with us!

    What was your favorite part of the day? Tell us in the comments! 👇

    Our Gardiner Center provides Head Start Preschool and subsidized childcare for children ages 3-5.
    We also have an Early Head Start classroom for children ages 6 weeks - 3yrs old.

    To learn more about our Gardiner Center or other SKCDC centers, and child care subsidies, contact our Enrollment Manager at 207-582-3110 ext. 111
    or visit our website at www.skcdc.org

    Join our SKCDC family...you belong here! All eligible SKCDC sites hold level 5 Rising Stars for ME certificates from DHHS.
    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #GardinerCenter #MaineFamilies #FamilyEngagement     ... See MoreSee Less

    2 days ago
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share by Email
    View Comments likes love 15 Shares: 1 Comments: 0

    ... See MoreSee Less

    4 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share by Email
    View Comments likes 1 Shares: 0 Comments: 0

    🌊🔬 We were excited to welcome Ann-Marie Pelletier, who holds a degree in Biology, for a special classroom visit! Ann-Marie shared her love of science with the children by reading a story about fascinating sea creatures and leading an engaging presentation about the different layers of the ocean. 🐠🐙 The children were captivated as they learned about the unique animals that live in each ocean zone and asked lots of wonderful questions. ❓

    Ann-Marie was joined by her daughter, Raegan, who helped make the visit even more special. 💙 We are so grateful they took the time to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with our classrooms. Experiences like these help spark children's curiosity and encourage a lifelong love of learning! 📚✨

    #youbelongatskcdc     ... See MoreSee Less

    1 week ago
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    Image attachment
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share by Email
    View Comments likes love 21 Shares: 1 Comments: 1
    Load more
    “The staff does an extraordinary job coming together and making sure each child has what they need, when they need it, how they need it.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “Everyone is so welcoming and supportive and show they really care about my child’s well being and development."
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “What I like most is the good and constant communication and engagement with families.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “I love his teachers! They are so patient and have really helped my child grow and learn in so many ways.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "Everyone here is like a family. He has learned so much that it surprises me everyday!”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I like the family feel in the classroom and the growth my child has received with the help of the program"
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I love how they care about each student. I have come to love everyone here 🙂 my son is exited to go to school everyday that earns my momma heart thank you to everyone who helps support my children!"
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I love how they come in my home and help me to work with my child on his learning."
    Annual Family Survey 2026