North Waterford, ME

The Growing Place is a highly-regarded nature-based early childhood program located just 15 minutes from North Waterford. They emphasize outdoor education and hands-on learning in their comprehensive curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in nature-based pedagogy and Reggio-inspired approaches. Their 5-acre campus includes extensive outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. The program focuses on social-emotional development, environmental stewardship, and age-appropriate academic readiness. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and prioritize individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.

Little Log Cabin Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education serving the Oxford Hills region, including North Waterford families. The school features AMI-certified Montessori teachers and follows the true Montessori method with specialized materials and individualized learning plans. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, and mathematical thinking in a carefully prepared environment. The center maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and focuses on developing independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation. Their beautiful facility includes both indoor learning environments and outdoor exploration spaces designed specifically for young children.

The Oxford Hills Early Childhood Center is a district-operated program serving the broader Oxford Hills community, including North Waterford. As part of the public school system, they offer high-quality early childhood education with certified teachers holding Maine teaching credentials and early childhood endorsements. The program uses developmentally appropriate practices and follows Maine's Early Learning and Development Standards. They provide comprehensive assessment and individualized learning plans, with strong emphasis on school readiness skills. The center features modern facilities, specialized learning centers, and collaborative partnerships with families. Their integrated approach includes speech, occupational, and physical therapy services when needed.