Penquis

Article Title: Childcare & Preschool

Article Content

Penquis Child Development provides Early Childhood Education for children aged 0-5 in a nurturing environment for the entire family.

Due to a new State of Maine law, beginning September 1, 2021 no child will be permitted to attend child care/school without evidence of immunization or proof of immunity against disease. Children wishing to enroll in a Penquis classroom will be required to have all recommended vaccines before enrolling. Penquis Child Development Health Staff can assist with vaccination record review to determine if your child is missing any required vaccines. 

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  • Overview of Services

    There are many benefits to having your child enrolled in a Penquis school classroom or childcare program. We can also work with parents to connect to local resources, help them identify and reach family goals, and help prepare their children for school and future successes.. We offer the following services for enrolled children and families:

    • Health and dental screenings
    • Developmental screenings
    • Nutrition education
    • School readiness
    • Services for children with special needs
    • Individualized attention to work towards developmental goals
    • Parent support, trainings, and workshops

    Apply Here Today!

    If you prefer a paper application, please contact:

    Kelley Graffam, at kgraffam@penquis.org or 207-973-3567 or 1-800-215-4942.

  • Infant/Toddler (Early Head Start Classrooms)

    Early Head Start is an early childhood education program for infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks to 3 years from low-income families. Early Head Start is a year-round program that operates 6 hours/day, 5 days a week. EHS promotes school readiness by supporting children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment, which includes a variety of services, such as education, health and family well-being. Our teachers are highly qualified with at least an Associate’s Degree, most having earned Bachelor’s Degrees. Teachers engage families in their child’s development and learning. All children receive developmental and health screenings and on-going assessment. Staff help to connect families with medical, dental and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need. Families receive support to achieve their own goals, in areas such as housing, education, and financial security.

    Service Area: Knox, Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties 
    Hours of operation
    Year-round services
      • Hours vary each location 
        • Bangor – Davis Road
        • Bangor – EMCC
        • Rockland – High Street
      • 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
        • Bangor – Venture Way
        • Dover – Morton Ave
        • East Millinocket – Dirigo Drive
        • Old Town – Middle St
        • Rockland – High St
    For Enrollment Information Contact:

    Kelley Graffam,  kgraffam@penquis.org, 207-973-3567 or 207-852-0783

  • Preschool 3 to 5 years (Head Start Classrooms)

    Head Start is an early childhood education program for children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families. This program is in session 5 days a week for 41 weeks/year with summers off. Head Start promotes school readiness by supporting children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment, which includes a variety of services such as education, health and family well-being. Our teachers are highly qualified with at least an Associate’s Degree, most having earned Bachelor’s Degrees. Teachers engage families in their child’s development and learning. All children receive developmental and health screenings and on-going assessment. Larger sites have Family Support Workers that help to connect families with medical, dental and mental health services to ensure that children and families receive the services they need. Families are supported to achieve their own goals, in areas such as housing, education and financial security.

    Service Area: Knox, Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties
    Hours of operation
    Year-round services
      • Hours vary at each location 
        • Bangor – Davis Road
        • Bangor – EMCC
        • Rockland – High Street
    School-year services
      • 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
        • Bangor – Davis Road
        • Bangor – Venture Way
        • Dover – Morton Ave
        • East Millinocket – Dirigo Drive
        • Old Town – Middle St
        • Rockland – South School
    For Enrollment Information Contact:

    Kelley Graffam: kgraffam@penquis.org, 207-973-3567 or 207-852-0783

  • Pre-K Partnerships with Local Schools

    Child must be 4 by Oct. 15.

    School readiness is essential for long term success for all children, so Penquis Child Development has partnered with public schools in many districts to offer our services in Pre-K classrooms. We work together to offer any additional resources and support needed to families and to help children successfully transition between preschool and kindergarten.

    Hours of operation

    Hours vary by location; all operate on a school-year schedule

        • Brewer
        • Dexter
        • East Millinocket
        • Rockland
    For Enrollment Information Contact:

    Kelley Graffam,  kgraffam@penquis.org, 207-973-3567 or 207-852-0783

  • Childcare

    For parents that are working or going to school and are in need of full-time child care, we offer full day wrap around services at several of our Child Development Center locations. This program enables children to receive the benefits of Early Head Start and Head Start as well as receive a full day of child care.

    There is a fee for child care and subsidy may be available, if qualified. For more information, contact Kelley Graffam, Penquis Child Development ERSEA Coordinator at office (207) 973-3567, or cell phone (207) 852-0783 or email kgraffam@penquis.org.

  • Locations

    Bangor:

    • Davis Road Child Development Center
      • 241 Davis Road
      • (207) 262-6091
    • EMCC Child Development Center
      • EMCC Campus, 354 Hogan Rd., 1st Floor Katahdin Hall
      • (207) 307-3290
    • Venture Way Child Development Center
      • 120 Venture Way
      • (207) 307-3250

    Brewer:

    • Brewer Pre-K
      • Brewer Community School, 94 Pendleton St
      • (207) 404-5700

    Dexter:

    •  Dexter Pre-K
      • Ridgeview Community School, 175 Fern Rd
      • (207) 924-6000

    Dover:

    • Morton Ave Child Development Center
      • 48 Morton Ave, Suite G
      • (207) 564-0039

    East Millinocket:

    •  Katahdin Child Development Center
      • Katahdin Region Higher Education Center, 1 Dirigo Dr Suite 3
      • (207) 746-5289
    • Opal Myrick Pre-K
      • 45 North St

    Old Town:

    • Old Town Child Development Center
      • 90 Middle St
      • (207) 947-1065

    Rockland:

    • Rockland Child Development Center
      • 7 High St
      • (207) 594-5342
    • RSU 13 Pre-K
      • South School Campus, 100 Holmes St
      • (207) 596-2008
  • Digital Backpack Parent Information

    Early Head Start (Children 0 – 3) Welcome Letter:

    Welcome to Early Head Start for New Children (Children Ages 0 to 3)

    Head Start (Children 3 – 5) Welcome Letter:

    Welcome to Head Start for New Children (Children Ages 3 to 5)

    Returning Head Start (Children 3 – 5) Welcome Letter:

    Welcome Back for Repeating Families (Children Ages 3 to 5)

    Pre-K Partnerships and Head Start:

    Pre-K Partnerships and Head Start – 2022 2023

    • Resouces *Under Construction - Check Back Soon*

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  • Child & Adult Care Food Program

    The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program designed to help child care facilities provide nutritious meals and snacks as part of their organized child care services. The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides cash reimbursement to child and adult day care providers for serving meals and snacks meeting USDA standards to participants enrolled in care. The program recognizes and supports the important role childcare homes play in developing the healthy eating habits of young children. Penquis’ Child and Adult Care Food Program is available to certified childcare homes throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis, Knox, Somerset, Hancock and Waldo counties, offering monthly reimbursement, nutrition materials, ideas for menu planning and budgeting, an annual workshop, and a nutrition newsletter. For more information, please call the Bangor office at 973-3506 or toll-free 1-800-215-4942.

    USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

    To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.  Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

    (1)        mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

    1400 Independence Avenue, SW

    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

    (2)        fax: (202) 690-7442; or

    (3)        email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

    The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

     

  • Provider Training

    Mandated Reporter Training

    Mandated Reporters are a critical part of Maine’s Child Protection System. All Mandated Reporters are now required to complete a training approved by the Department of Health and Human Services once every four years. To register for the next class call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at” parentingclass@penquis.org.

    Safe Sleep and The Period of Purple Crying

    Safe Sleep and The Period of Purple Crying are national initiatives focused on preventing shaken baby syndrome and promoting a safe sleeping environment for infants. During our training you will receive researched information, materials, and learn prevention strategies that address each initiative. To register for the next class call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org.

    Strengthening Maine Families by Building Protective Factors

    Protective factors are conditions in families, communities, and organizations that, when present, increase the health and well-being of children and families. Protective factors include education on child development and ways to support healthy social and emotional development in children, concrete supports for parents such as social connections, and an array of supports during times of need. This training is for those who provide programs that support families and will offer opportunities to increase capacity to build protective factors that promote optimal development and prevent abuse and neglect. To register for the next class call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org.

  • Parenting Classes/Trainings

    Penquis parenting classes cover a variety of parenting topics including discipline strategies, managing stress, helping children deal with their feelings, communicating with children and building self-esteem, and growth and development in infants and children. Classes are free and some classes offer light refreshments. To register for any of our upcoming parenting classes contact Christine McMillen at 974-2481 or at parentingclass@penquis.org

    For a list of all current classes and to register, please click here.

    • For New and Expecting Parents

      Babies 101

      Celebrate your journey through pregnancy, as we talk about all things baby coving topics such as labor and delivery, attachment and bonding, safe sleep, infant crying, safety, baby care and more.

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: cmcmillen@penquis.org

       

       

    • Parenting Classes for Children Ages 0-5

      Nurturing Skills for Families:  During this parenting class series we talk though the joys and challenges of parenting covering topics such as:

      • Change, Growth & Letting Go
      • Families & Alcohol
      • Growth & Development of Children
      • Empathy
      • Recognizing & Understanding Feelings
      • Criticism & Confrontation
      • Managing Anger & Stress
      • Improving Self-Worth
      • Developing Family Morals & Values
      • Developing Family Rules
      • Praise
      • Managing Behavior
      • Establishing Routine

       

      Nurturing Parents and their Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers: It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. Come grow with us as we explore topics such as:

      • Child development 101
      • Bonding & attachment
      • Self-worth
      • Effective discipline

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Parenting Classes for Children Ages 5-12

      Active Parenting Classes for Ages 5-12 address the most common issed facing today’s families. This class is a six session series and topics include:

      • Cooperation & Communication
      • Responsibility & Discipline
      • Building courage & Self-esteem
      • Understanding & Redirecting Misbehavior
      • School Success

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Co-Parenting Class: Helping Children Thrive in Two Households

      A successful co-parenting relationship is vital to your child’s well-being and health as nutritious food and proper sleep. This class helps parents to learn how to co-parent, so children living in two different households can thrive. This one 5 hour class covers topics including:

      • Developing effective communication skills
      • Keeping your child out of the middle
      • Allowing your child to love both parents
      • Working on your own healing
      • Creating a positive new relationship as a co-parent

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Trainings for Professional Development

      Mandated Reporter

      Mandated Reporters are a critical part of Maine’s Child Protection System. All Mandated Reporters are now required to complete a training approved by the Department of Health and Human Services once every four years.

      Safe Sleep and The Period of Purple Crying

      • Safe to Sleep and The Period of Purple Crying are National Initiatives focused on preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and promoting safe sleeping environment for infants. During our training you will receive researched information and materials as well as learn prevention strategies that address each initiative.

      Strengthening Maine Families

      Protective Factors are conditions in families, communities, and organizations that, when present, increase the health and well-being of children and families. Protective Factors/Strengthening Maine Families 101 Training is for those who provide programs that support families. The training will offer opportunities to increase capacity to build   protective factors that promote optimal development and prevent abuse and neglect.

      Register for a Class

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Active Parenting Teen

      Active Parenting Teen: This program helps parents gain confidence and courage to meet the challenges (and savor the joys) of their children’s teen years.

      Topics covered in this class include:

      • Teens & technology
      • Substance use prevention
      • Teen bullying
      • Sexuality
      • Communication
      • Discipline

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Nurturing Families Through Substance Use Treatment & Recovery

      The impact of substance use on families and children can be devastating. Healing begins as the parent child relationship is strengthened. Group discussions guide parents toward restoring and rebuilding the connection between family members.

      Topics Include:

      • Self-esteem
      • Communication
      • Confrontation & problem solving
      • Families & substance use
      • Managing stress
      • Setting boundaries
      • Guiding behavior
      • And more

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org

    • Nurturing HOPE: For Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges

      Designed for families with children with chronic or life-threatening medial challenges, developmental delays, neurological, learning or behavior differences, as well as visual or auditory disabilities.

      Topics include:

      • Exploring hopes and fears
      • Comfort and Calming
      • Personality and Family Structure
      • Grief and Loss
      • Praise, Personal Power and Independence
      • Discipline
      • Family Rules
      • Health and Healing
      • Feelings and Needs
      • Helping Children Cope, Socialization, Sibling Support
      • Stress and Humor/Play
      • Communication

      To register for the next class, call Christine McMillen at 207-974-2481 or email at: parentingclass@penquis.org