Early Care and Education Programs

Early Head Start, Head Start, and child care

Downeast Community Partners (DCP) offers Head Start, Early Head Start and child care in our Early Care and Education Centers throughout Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start and Preschool Child Care programs are for children ages 3 – 5 years old. Early Head Start and Infant/Toddler Child Care programs are for families needing child care for infant and toddlers six weeks old to 3 years old. Access our application page here.

DCP Early Care and Education programs provide comprehensive early education, health, nutrition, and family services to enrolled children and their families. We believe children learn best through play and 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 curriculum which reflects children and families’ real lives and interests.

Teachers are observers of children who work together with families to provide activities and materials that are designed to foster the healthy development of social/emotional, 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.

Why should you choose DCP’s Early Care and Education Programs?

Our Early Care and Education programs are designed to provide quality education and care for each enrolled child aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Quality Learning Environments are our Number One Priority

Our classrooms reflect holistic learning environments for children. Every classroom holds a variety of fine and gross motor activities, language and literacy activities designed for readers and pre-readers, creative arts and opportunities for a child’s imagination to be engaged and expanded.  Following the national requirement of the Head Start Program, our teachers hold the minimum of a Child Development Associate Credential or an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Health and Safety is Key

We believe that a child’s health effects a child’s learning so staff work with parents to ensure that children receive well child check-up’s, dental check-up’s, and height and weight assessments. In addition, staff introduces concepts of health and wellness, pedestrian safety and good hygiene practices in the classroom.

Good Nutrition Supports Children’s Learning

Nutritious meals and snacks are included in all the programs DCP operates and meals are free for all children. 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 the Primary Teachers of Their Children

Parent involvement is definitely one of the cornerstones of our programming. 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 as volunteers in their child’s day to day program, on governing bodies, and as active partners in curriculum planning.

Equal Opportunities for All Children

We actively encourage and facilitate children with disabilities and their families to participate in all of our programs. Our staff is trained in working with local service providers to ensure that all children’s individual needs are met.

Licensing and Staff Credentialing

All of our programs are fully licensed through the State of Maine Day Care Licensing Division. This includes regular inspections by both the State’s licensing agent and fire marshal.