The Best Daycare Centers in Sargentville, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sargentville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sargentville
The Goddard School of Ellsworth
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ellsworth offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication through their proprietary app. Serving the Blue Hill Peninsula region including Sargentville families.
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Blue Hill Children's Center & Preschool
Independent Nonprofit
This NAEYC-accredited center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based, emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. Their qualified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress. The center emphasizes outdoor education and nature exploration, with regular field trips and garden activities. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. They serve families throughout Hancock County including Sargentville with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Ellsworth
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Ellsworth provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their programs include Phonics Adventures, Music and Movement, and STEM activities. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-based classrooms, and large outdoor playgrounds. All teachers meet state certification requirements and receive continuous training in child development and safety protocols. They offer transportation for school-age children and serve families throughout the Blue Hill Peninsula region, including Sargentville residents seeking comprehensive childcare solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sargentville, ME
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Sargentville, ME, and how do I find them?
In Sargentville and the surrounding Hancock County area, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes (small, in-home settings) and potentially small center-based programs, though centers are less common in such a rural town. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the State of Maine's online resource, "Spark" (formerly called the Maine Quality Centers website), which is the official referral service. You can search by zip code (04673) and filter by age group and type of care. Additionally, connecting with local networks like the Downeast Community Partners or asking at the Blue Hill Public Library can yield personal recommendations for trusted home providers who may be licensed but not heavily advertised online.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Sargentville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy due to the limited number of providers serving Sargentville's small, rural population. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care. Many family childcare homes have only a few slots, especially for infants and toddlers, and they fill up quickly. When contacting providers, be prepared to ask about their current availability and typical waitlist timeline. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Sargentville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
For a licensed family childcare home in Sargentville and the broader Blue Hill Peninsula area, you can expect to pay an average of $175 to $225 per week for full-time care for a preschool-aged child. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $200 to $275 per week. These rates are generally lower than in Maine's urban areas but reflect the operational costs for providers in a rural setting. For financial assistance, Maine's Child Care Subsidy Program (through the Office of Child and Family Services) is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the My Maine Connection portal. Local organizations like Downeast Community Partners may also offer guidance and support in accessing these funds.
What are Maine's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify for my child's safety?
All licensed providers in Maine, including those in Sargentville, must meet state regulations overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Key requirements parents should verify include: 1) **Background Checks:** Comprehensive checks for all household members and staff. 2) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For family homes, one caregiver to no more than 6 children, with no more than 3 under age 2. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must be certified in CPR and First Aid. 4) **Home Safety Inspection:** The environment must pass an annual inspection for hazards. 5) **Professional Development:** Ongoing training in early childhood education is required. You can ask any provider for their license number and verify their status and any history of compliance issues on the DHHS website.
Given Sargentville's rural location, what should I consider regarding transportation, hours, and backup care options?
Sargentville's rural nature significantly impacts childcare logistics. Most family childcare homes do not offer transportation, so you will need to factor in your commute to and from the provider's location, which could be several miles away. Operating hours may also be more limited than in urban centers, often aligning with a typical 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM schedule. It is crucial to discuss early drop-off or late pick-up needs upfront. For backup care, options are extremely limited. It's essential to have a plan for sick days (both your child's and the provider's) and provider vacations. Building a network with other local parents for emergency swaps or exploring occasional care through a platform like Care.com (filtering for the Blue Hill area) are your best strategies, as there are no drop-in childcare centers nearby.
Nearby Cities
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