STAFF

Our staff is well trained and truly enjoys working with preschoolers. Each member of the Children's Center staff is required to take a minimum of 30 hours per year of continuing education classes and workshops, often choosing to take more classes than required to keep abreast of the latest information on preschool age care. We have one of the lowest adult/child ratios in the area. (The state of Maine requires 1:7 and we usually are at 1:6 ~ sometimes 1:5.) We are fully licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and all staff members are CPR trained and First Aid certified.  We have a certified lifeguard on staff as well.

OVERVIEW

The Harbor House Children's Center provides year round care for children ages 2-1/2 to 5 years of age. The center is open from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. We work with parents to create the care schedule that best meets the personal needs of your family. We can arrange all day full time care, half day care, or any combination of days and schedules that will work for you and your child. We provide a developmentally appropriate pre-school program based on the Maine Early Learning Guidelines. In consultation with local kindergarten teachers, our staff works to help your child acquire the skills necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten. Our low adult/child ratio combined with our caring and well-trained staff provide an enriching experience for your child. The Children's Center staff also works closely with local elementary schools and a variety of agencies within the county in providing special services for children with special needs.

A TYPICAL DAY

There is magic happening in the big, bright building at 38 Herrick Road, a place that is alive with laughter, play and learning.

Here, preschoolers are immersed in learning opportunities fostered by free play and structured activities — that means lots of fun and choices — all within a safe and caring environment. Children at the Center enjoy sunny classrooms and lots of outdoor time while practicing and perfecting their gross motor and fine motor skills. Circle time, arts & crafts, story time, music, literature and science activities with frequent field trips provide lots of opportunities for little ones to learn in the way they learn best — playing, exploring and having fun.

A typical day begins with free play — an opportunity to enjoy the building area, dress up play or to read a book with a friend. Mid-morning snack is a very social affair — no swapping please! Circle time is the structured portion of the day, which gives children an opportunity to engage in discussions, stories, fingerplays, songs and art activities (paint and glue are very popular materials). Then it’s outside to use those big muscles or, on rainy days we head down the hall to the spacious Community Room for some active play.

Following lunch, it's quiet time (ssshh!). Children bunk down with blankets and cuddly buddies brought from home. Quiet music and back rubs ensure that everyone will fall asleep. For those children who have outgrown nap, there is a story time followed by quiet activities such as reading books, coloring and doing puzzles with staff. After nap time and a snack for refueling, they're on the go again, playing either inside or out, until parents arrive.

Most days, children head home tired and dirty—a good sign that it has been a great day at the Children's Center. We encourage you to stop by at any time to see for yourself what a terrific community resource we have here at Harbor House Children's Center!

TINY TOTS PLAYGROUP

The Children’s Center sponsors a playgroup every Friday for children ages birth through two. The Tiny Tots gather at the Children’s Center with their parents from 10:00-11:00am. The babies and toddlers enjoying playing in this cheery and child-safe environment while their parents have a chance to visit, ask questions and offer support to one another. A member of the Children’s Center staff is present at all times and often arranges an art activity for the children. There is no cost for this program.

SCAMPER CAMP

In summer the Children's Center transforms into Scamper Camp. A big yellow school bus takes the children on adventures all over our beautiful Island home. Mondays and Fridays are spent at the Children's Center and may include walks to the shore, library or the community playground, as well as playing in the wading pools and sprinklers at our own playground. Tuesday brings our weekly trip to Echo Lake. Wednesday is for hikes, museums, zoos and carriage rides. Thursday finds the children at various water spots around the Island for swimming, wading and catching crabs! Our low adult/child ratio and certified lifeguard assure your child's safety and enjoyment. As with our school year programs, we will work with you to arrange the schedule that best meets the needs of your family during the busy summer months. Space is limited, so register early to avoid disappointment.