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

    🎃 Look what grew in our garden! 🎃

    Room 4's Magic Years class spent the summer growing pumpkins right here on site, and this week they finally got to pick them! The kids were so proud carrying (and hugging) their harvest, from the giant orange ones to a few surprise green squash mixed in.

    There's nothing quite like watching a child's face light up when they hold something they helped grow from seed to harvest. What a fun way to wrap up the summer and get everyone excited for fall!

    Are you looking for a high-quality education experience for your preschooler? We are now taking applications for the 2026-27 school year. We have centers in Augusta and Gardiner for 3 to 5yr olds. We have a Pre-K collaboration in Chelsea for 4yr olds.

    Questions about eligibility or child care subsidies? Give our Enrollment Manager a call 207-582-3110 ext 111, email us youbelong@skcdc.org, or start a pre-application online at www.skcdc.org/pre-application-notice/.

    Join our SKCDC family...you belong here! All eligible SKCDC sites hold level 5 Rising Stars for ME certificates from DHHS.
    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #HeadStart #EarlyChildhood #OutdoorLearning #MagicYearsCenter #MaineKids     ... 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 14 Shares: 1 Comments: 0

    ... See MoreSee Less

    3 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share by Email
    View Comments likes 2 Shares: 2 Comments: 0

    🎉 What a wonderful Open House we had on September 3rd! 🍂

    This center-wide event at our Gardiner Center welcomed families from our Part Day and Full Day Head Start classrooms as well as Early Head Start, and it was especially exciting to have our Part Day classroom back with us after a long summer break!

    Thank you to all the families who came out to explore the classrooms, meet the teachers, and get a feel for the year ahead. Seeing our kiddos dive right into centers, science exploration, and dramatic play was the best part of the day. 💛

    Here's to a great year ahead!

    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 #EarlyChildhood #MaineKids #MaineFamilies #FamilyEngagement     ... See MoreSee Less

    6 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 14 Shares: 0 Comments: 0
    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