Centers offering this program
Description
SKCDC operates Early Care and Education programs in Southern Kennebec County. Each program provides comprehensive early education, health, nutrition, and family services to enrolled children and their families. We encourage children to explore the world at their own pace, with the loving support and guidance of parents and teachers. Our programs offer a child-centered, research informed curriculum which reflects the lives and interests of children and families. Teachers work together with families to provide activities and materials that reflect family backgrounds and cultures and are designed to foster the healthy development of self esteem, social, physical, and intellectual skills, as well as skills of effective communication. We recognize and respect the individuality of each child and family, and we strive to provide a learning environment within which each child and family can feel successful.
All programs are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and include all areas of growth: physical, language, social, emotional, and cognitive.
Our Early Care and Education Programs are designed to provide quality education and care for each enrolled child aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
SKCDC Child Care Centers are licensed and hold Step 4 Certificates of Quality by the State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services.
Quality Learning Environments
Our classrooms reflect total learning environments for children. Every classroom holds a variety of fine and gross motor activities, language and literacy activities, creative arts and opportunities for a child’s imagination to be engaged.
Health and Safety
We believe that healthy children learn best. Head Start staff ensure that children receive developmental, vision and hearing screening, well child checks, and oral health care.
Good Nutrition Supports Children’s Learning
Nutritious meals and snacks are included in all of our programs. All programs participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals are served family style with caregivers and children coming together at meal time for conversation and quality time. Promoting healthy nutrition habits and allowing children to experience new foods are important aspects of our nutrition program.
Parents are Respected as Primary Teachers of Their Children
Parent involvement is one of the cornerstones of our program. Parents report a sense of belonging and an appreciation for having the opportunity for meaningful involvement at all levels of their child’s program. Parents are invited to participate in training programs, as volunteers in their child’s day to day program, on governing bodies, and as active partners in curriculum planning.
