The Best Daycare Centers in Howland, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Howland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Howland
Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Howland community for over 20 years. The center offers a comprehensive developmental curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, social skills, and cognitive development through play-based learning. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate developmental milestones. The facility features secure indoor learning environments with modern educational materials and safe outdoor play areas. What sets Little Learners apart is their strong focus on individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios and their commitment to building partnerships with families through regular communication and parent involvement opportunities.
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Kids' Corner Child Care Center
Regional Childcare Management
Kids' Corner Child Care Center, located approximately 20 minutes from Howland in Bangor, is a well-established regional childcare provider known for its structured educational programs and excellent safety record. The center implements a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, creative arts, and physical development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains state certifications and receives ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-specific classrooms, secure entry systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Kids' Corner stands out for their nutritious meal program, extensive learning resources, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families in the greater Howland area.
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Penobscot County Head Start & Early Childhood Program
Community Action Partnership
Penobscot County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education services to families throughout the region, including Howland residents. This comprehensive program focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and specialists who provide individualized support for children with diverse learning needs. Their holistic approach includes family engagement services, health and nutrition support, and community resource connections. The program distinguishes itself through its inclusive environment, comprehensive family support services, and commitment to serving children from all economic backgrounds with sliding scale fees and scholarship opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Howland, ME
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Howland, Maine?
In Howland and the surrounding Penobscot County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are licensed family childcare homes, which are small, home-based settings often caring for up to 12 children; these are common in more rural towns like Howland. Second, there are childcare centers, though you may need to look in nearby towns like Lincoln or Old Town for larger facilities. Third, there are public preschool programs, which are often part of the local RSU 67 (Howland, Lee, Springfield) school system and may have specific age and eligibility requirements. All providers must be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which ensures they meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and curriculum.
How can I check the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Howland?
The State of Maine provides an excellent public resource called "The Maine Child Care Search." You can access it online through the Maine DHHS website. This tool allows you to search for licensed providers by town, including Howland, and view their current license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also review their compliance history, including any licensing violations, corrective action plans, and inspection reports. This transparency is vital for making an informed choice. You can also contact the DHHS Licensing Division directly for more information. We recommend always verifying a provider's license is current before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Howland area, and is there financial assistance available?
Childcare costs in rural Maine like Howland are generally lower than in urban areas like Portland, but availability can be limited. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $200 per week for full-time infant care. Center-based care in nearby towns may range from $180 to $250 per week. The State of Maine offers significant financial assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), administered by the Office of Child and Family Services. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or education). Many Howland-area families qualify for this aid, which pays a portion of the cost directly to the licensed provider. You can apply through the My Maine Connection portal.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Howland, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots in the Howland region due to the limited number of providers serving a widespread rural population. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care. For the more scarce infant spots, contacting providers as early as possible is crucial. When you call a provider, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Are there seasonal openings (e.g., when preschoolers "graduate" to kindergarten)? Exploring options in neighboring communities such as Enfield, Lincoln, or Passadumkeag can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are some local resources or organizations in Penobscot County that can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Penobscot County Community Action Program (Penquis)**, which operates a Child Care Resource Development Center. They offer free referral services to help parents find licensed care that matches their needs in Howland and the county. They can also provide guidance on quality indicators, the subsidy application process, and child development. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Howland, Maine Community Board") or at places like the Howland Public Library can yield personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Maine's voluntary Quality for ME rating system, which indicates a commitment to exceeding basic licensing standards.