The Best Daycare Centers in Long Island, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Long Island. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Long Island
The Children's Center of Portland
Independent
The Children's Center of Portland offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their highly qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators with advanced degrees, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features secure access systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Their program includes regular developmental assessments and strong parent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Scarborough provides a nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their curriculum includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, language development, and character education. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor playgrounds. They maintain rigorous health and safety protocols and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Creative Kids Corner
Independent
Creative Kids Corner emphasizes a child-centered approach that fosters creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills through project-based learning. Their experienced teaching staff includes educators with specialized training in early childhood development and special needs inclusion. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, well-equipped classrooms, and nature-based outdoor learning environments. They focus on developing the whole child through arts integration, literacy-rich environments, and hands-on learning experiences. The program includes regular communication with families through digital portfolios and parent engagement events, with a strong emphasis on building community connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Long Island, ME
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler on Long Island, Maine?
On Long Island, Maine, childcare costs can vary significantly due to the island's unique setting and limited number of providers. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $175 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A center-based program, if available, could be slightly higher. These rates are often at or above the state average due to higher operational costs and limited supply. It's crucial to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). Many Maine families utilize the state's Child Care Subsidy Program through the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) to help offset costs, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers on Long Island?
Finding licensed care on Long Island requires a proactive approach due to the small, close-knit community. Your primary resource is the State of Maine's online "Child Care Search" tool maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can filter searches for Cumberland County and look for providers with a "Long Island" address. Always verify the license status, which ensures the provider meets Maine's health, safety, and staff qualification standards. Given the island's size, word-of-mouth and recommendations from the Long Island Community Center or Town Office are invaluable. Be sure to ask any potential provider for their State of Maine license number and you can review their compliance history online.
Are there any unique challenges or considerations for childcare on an island like Long Island, ME?
Yes, island life presents specific challenges. The most significant is availability; there are very few licensed providers, leading to long waitlists. Parents must plan many months, sometimes over a year, in advance. Transportation is another key factor. If a provider is on the island, ferry schedules (which vary by season) become part of your daily logistics. For care in Portland or other mainland communities, the ferry commute adds considerable time and cost. Additionally, backup care options are extremely limited if your regular provider is sick or closes. Building a strong network with other island parents for emergency care swaps is highly recommended.
What types of childcare settings are most common on Long Island, and what are their pros and cons?
The most common setting on Long Island is the licensed family childcare home, often run by a resident in their own house. These are popular for their small group sizes, home-like environment, and potential for mixed-age interactions, which can be beneficial for siblings. The cons can include less structured curriculum and vulnerability to closure if the provider is ill or retires. Center-based care is exceedingly rare on the island itself. Many families therefore look to the mainland (Portland, South Portland, Falmouth), which offers more center-based and preschool options with structured programs, but introduces the major con of a daily ferry commute, which adds expense, time, and weather-dependent uncertainty.
What resources are available to help Long Island parents navigate childcare choices and financial assistance?
Long Island parents have several key resources. First, the **Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network** offers a referral service and guides on choosing quality care. Second, for financial aid, the **Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)** is essential; eligibility is based on income and need, and you apply through the DHHS Office for Family Independence. Locally, the **Long Island Town Office** can provide information on any community-based initiatives or known providers. The **Cumberland County Child Care Development Fund** may also offer support. For early education-specific questions, connecting with **Portland Public Schools** (which Long Island students attend) can provide info on pre-K partnerships and developmental screenings.
Nearby Cities
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