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.

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    🎉 Preservice Training Week at SKCDC! 🎉

    Before our classrooms fill with little learners, our staff spent time filling their own cups. This week's preservice training included a session on Kind Mind, giving our team tools to build compassion and social emotional skills in the classroom. We also took a break for some adult recess, because taking care of ourselves helps us better take care of our friends.

    We were also so grateful to welcome our friends from Community Dental, who reviewed the Maine Dental Connection program with our staff and shared a wonderful new resource called "The Night Before the Virtual Dentist," a book designed to help children and families feel confident and prepared for virtual dentist visits.

    This year is extra special, as SKCDC celebrates 60 years of Head Start. Stay tuned throughout the rest of 2026 as we look back on six decades of serving children and families in our community.

    What is one thing that helps you recharge before a busy season? Share with us in the comments!

    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #HeadStart #SKCDC60Years #StaffAppreciation #CommunityPartnership     ... See MoreSee Less

    3 days ago
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    🦋 A Special Surprise at Chelsea Pre-K! 🦋

    Our friends arrived at school to a wonderful surprise, a newly hatched monarch butterfly waiting to greet them. With help from our school secretary, the class gathered outside to release the butterfly and watch it take its first flight into the world.

    Now we are keeping a close eye out, anxiously awaiting the arrival of a second butterfly ready to emerge. There is nothing quite like watching curiosity and wonder take over as our little learners witness nature in action.

    What is your child's favorite part about learning about bugs and butterflies? Tell us in the comments!

    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #ChelseaPreK #HeadStart #NatureLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation     ... See MoreSee Less

    4 days ago
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    5 days ago
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    “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