A strong start,
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Find childcare assistance, Head Start, early childhood programs, after-school care, family support, and benefits for kids in Maine.
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Childcare and family resources
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Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)
Statewide support
Helps eligible families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in job training. Apply online through Baxter; call for assistance.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; toll-free 1-877-680-5866
- Who this helps
- Most parents must be working, in school or job training; some retired legal guardians may qualify under program rules. Income limits apply (varies by family size). Apply online at Baxter or call for assistance.
Confirm details with the organization.
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York County Head Start - Biddeford
320 Hill St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Free early childhood education for children 6 weeks to 5 years from low-income families, including health screenings and family support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families may qualify if income is at or below the federal poverty level, they are experiencing homelessness, have children in foster care, or receive TANF, SSI, or SNAP. The program serves children 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Penquis Head Start - Bangor
31 Hillside Avenue, Bangor, ME
Penquis offers Head Start and Early Head Start in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties for eligible families.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Hours not yet announced.
- Who this helps
- Families at or below the federal poverty level. Foster children, homeless children, and families receiving public assistance are automatically eligible.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Community Concepts Head Start
17 Market Square, South Paris, ME 04281
Free Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Oxford and Franklin counties, with center-based and home-based options.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families in Oxford or Franklin counties may qualify based on income or other eligibility categories; contact CCI to check eligibility. Foster children and families on public assistance are automatically eligible.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Child Care Choices (Provider Search)
Statewide support
Search regulated child care programs statewide by location and provider type. Results can include expired or conditional licenses.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Online 24/7; call 211 for phone assistance
- Who this helps
- Open to all Maine families. No requirements to search. Financial assistance available through CCAP for eligible families.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Opportunity Alliance Head Start
50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, ME 04106
Free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible families. Early childhood education for children ages 0–5.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call for program schedule
- Who this helps
- Families generally qualify when income is at or below federal poverty guidelines. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or in families receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP are categorically eligible regardless of income. Head Start serves ages 3 to 5; Early Head Start serves birth to age 3.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Portland Clubhouse
277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
After-school and summer programs for ages 7–18. Only $5 annual membership.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Ages 7–18. $5 annual membership fee.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families Home Visiting
Statewide support
Free home visits for expectant parents and parents of newborns. Professional visitors provide parenting support, child development info, and resource connections.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- By appointment
- Who this helps
- Free visits are available to pregnant people and primary caregivers of babies up to 3 months; parents under 21 with babies up to 6 months; and adoptive or kinship families with an infant under 12 months. Ask the local program about placement timing.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec Head Start - Ellsworth
18 Avery Lane, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Details not fully confirmed
Head Start and Early Head Start for eligible families. Contact Avec about the program, location and current openings that fit your child.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Schedules vary by program; contact enrollment staff.
- Who this helps
- Program age and eligibility requirements apply. Head Start generally serves ages three and four; Early Head Start serves younger children. Ask staff to screen your family.
Confirm details with the organization.
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KVCAP Head Start
97 Water Street, Waterville, ME 04901
KVCAP offers Head Start preschool and Early Head Start, as well as child care for ages 6 weeks to 5 years at selected sites. Child care may have a cost.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call for program schedule
- Who this helps
- Head Start eligibility includes low-income families and certain categories such as public assistance, homelessness, or foster care. Early Head Start serves children under 3; preschool generally serves ages 3 to 5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec Head Start - Machias
125 University Drive, Machias, ME 04654
Details not fully confirmed
Head Start and Early Head Start for eligible families. Contact Avec about the program, location and current openings that fit your child.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Schedules vary by program; contact enrollment staff.
- Who this helps
- Program age and eligibility requirements apply. Head Start generally serves ages three and four; Early Head Start serves younger children. Ask staff to screen your family.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Passamaquoddy Head Start - Pleasant Point
Pleasant Point Reservation, Perry, ME 04667
Details not fully confirmed
Confirm whether the local program is operating and what services it currently offers before publishing this description.
Listed hours
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Club of Bordertowns - Sipayik
59 Passamaquoddy Road, Perry, ME 04667
Details not fully confirmed
The Sipayik Boys & Girls Club is part of the Youth and Recreation Department, which serves Pleasant Point youth with cultural and recreational activities.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- After school hours; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- The Sipayik Tribal Government says its Youth and Recreation Department serves Pleasant Point youth; ask the Club about age and cost.
Confirm details with the organization.
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YMCA of Southern Maine Childcare
70 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
Details not fully confirmed
The YMCA lists Child Watch for children ages 18 months to 10 at its Biddeford and Freeport branches; Portland Child Watch ended October 2, 2026. Multiple locations across southern Maine with financial assistance available.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Financial assistance and DHHS subsidies accepted. Income-based sliding scale available.
Confirm details with the organization.
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The Children's Center
1 Alden Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
The Children's Center has over 50 years of experience providing childcare, special education, and therapy services. Programs include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, autism programs, and behavioral support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Child care: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5:00 PM. Specialized services: Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30 AM and 12:30-3:30 PM.
- Who this helps
- Child care is for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years; specialized programs have their own age and eligibility requirements. Accepts MaineCare, Child Development Services referrals, and private pay.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Youth & Family Outreach
1065 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106
Youth & Family Outreach provides full-day, year-round early care and education for children aged six weeks to five years in Greater Portland. Supports families by helping children thrive while caregivers work or complete education.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:00pm
- Who this helps
- Open to families with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in the Greater Portland area. Accepts DHHS childcare subsidies.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Educare Central Maine
56 Drummond Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901
Educare Central Maine provides full-day care and education for children 6 weeks to age 5, with subsidized rates for working families with limited incomes. A collaboration between Waterville Public Schools and KVCAP Head Start in a purpose-built facility focused on school readiness.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm
- Who this helps
- Working families with limited incomes may qualify for subsidized rates; a limited number of slots are available for families not eligible for state or federal subsidies.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Club of Bangor
161 Davis Road, Bangor, ME 04401
Details not fully confirmed
The Boys & Girls Club of Bangor provides quality after-school, summer, and teen programming for youth. The Opportunity Center brings adult classes and child care together in one location.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The Club says it primarily serves youth and families in Bangor's public housing neighborhood. Ask the Club about current fees and financial assistance.
Confirm details with the organization.
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St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center
6 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
St. Elizabeth's is a Star 5-rated child development center with over 50 years of experience in early childhood education. Accepts DHHS subsidies, ASPIRE vouchers, and Child Development Services clients.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Open to all families. Accepts DHHS subsidies, ASPIRE vouchers, CDS referrals, and private pay.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Help Me Grow Maine
Statewide support
Help Me Grow Maine is a free statewide service connecting families with children birth to age 8 to child development resources, free developmental screenings, and community services. Multilingual support available.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Free for all families with children birth to age 8 and pregnant individuals. No income requirements.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Parent Federation
Statewide support
Maine Parent Federation provides information, referrals, peer-to-peer support, and training to parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs. Statewide services help families navigate systems of care.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- No-cost statewide information, referral, peer support, telephone support, and training for parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Franklin County Children's Task Force
113 Church St, Farmington, ME 04938
Nonprofit strengthening families and preventing child abuse in Franklin County for over 40 years. Programs include family support, parenting education, and 2Gen approaches that help both parents and children together.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Eligibility depends on the program. Call (207) 778-6960 to ask about current services and requirements. Ask about costs for the specific program.
Confirm details with the organization.
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The Kinship Program
Statewide support
Free statewide support for adoptive, foster, and kinship families, including grandparents raising grandchildren. AFFM's Kinship Navigators connect families with support, training, legal resources and peer support across Maine.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Open to all adoptive, foster, and kinship families in Maine. Services are free regardless of child welfare involvement.
Confirm details with the organization.
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KidsPeace Maine
16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Residential and community-based programs for youth and families facing significant challenges. Services include residential care, educational services, foster care, and community-based programs in Maine.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The residential program serves youth ages 8–20; call KidsPeace for referral information.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Early Intervention for ME & Preschool Support
Statewide support
Developmental help for young children. Families of children under three can request a free initial assessment; preschool referrals use the state’s town and school lookup.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families can refer a child under three without a pediatrician’s referral. A full evaluation determines eligibility. For ages three to five, check the state’s current town or school contact.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Child Care Choices
Statewide support
Maine's statewide child care resource and referral service helping families find licensed childcare providers, understand childcare options, and access financial assistance for childcare costs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Any Maine family seeking childcare information or referrals. The Child Care Affordability Program provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, family size, and work or education status.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Community Concepts Children & Family Services
240 Bates St, Lewiston, ME 04240
Community Concepts serves Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties. Its Head Start and Early Head Start programs are in Oxford and Franklin counties, with childcare options at several early learning centers.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Head Start and Early Head Start serve children ages 0-5 from families at or below the federal poverty level, families receiving TANF or SNAP benefits, children in foster care, and children experiencing homelessness. Head Start programs welcome children with disabilities; contact CCI to check eligibility and enrollment options.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine
277 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101
After-school and summer programs serve youth ages 6-18 at locations in Portland, South Portland, and Auburn/Lewiston. Programs include homework help, arts, athletics, swimming, and nutritious meals in a safe environment.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Varies by Clubhouse; check the current location page.
- Who this helps
- Youth ages 6-18; the Portland Clubhouse serves ages 7-18. Membership fees are kept low to ensure accessibility.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine
PO Box 123, Westbrook, ME 04098
Details not fully confirmed
Youth mentoring program serving southern Maine, matching children with caring adult mentors through community-based and school-based programs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children and youth ages 7 to 17 may enroll. Contact the organization by phone or through their website to learn about enrollment. Both community-based and school-based mentoring options are available.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine WIC Program
Statewide support
Food benefits, nutrition guidance and breastfeeding support for eligible pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children under five. Start with your local WIC clinic.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Appointment times vary by local clinic. Call the office serving your county.
- Who this helps
- WIC serves eligible Maine residents during pregnancy and after birth, infants, and children younger than five. Parents and guardians can apply for children in their care. MaineCare, SNAP or TANF can establish income eligibility; WIC still checks the other program requirements.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Office of Child and Family Services
2 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04333
State agency overseeing child welfare, foster care, adoption, and family services in Maine. Provides support for foster families, manages child protective services, and coordinates foster care and adoption resources statewide.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Services vary by program. Foster care and adoption inquiries are welcome from any interested adult. Child protective services respond to reports of abuse or neglect involving any child in Maine. Family support services may have income or other eligibility criteria.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec Head Start and Early Head Start
44 Park St and 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Free early childhood education and family support for income-eligible families with children ages 0-5. Head Start and Early Head Start are offered in Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton, Easton, Ellsworth, Machias, and Calais, with Head Start partnerships in Dyer Brook, Limestone, and Van Buren.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families with children ages 0-5 who meet federal income guidelines. Children in foster care or experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP, can qualify regardless of income. Families experiencing homelessness are also eligible.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Social Services
88 Bell Rd, Littleton, ME 04730
Details not fully confirmed
The department offers child care, child welfare, LIHEAP and weatherization, general assistance, a clothes closet, homemaker services, and transportation.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The department works one-on-one with members of the Tribal Community. Eligibility varies by program; contact Social Services for details.
Confirm details with the organization.
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WMCA Our Place to Grow
105 Mount Blue Circle, Suite 2, Farmington, ME 04938
Licensed early childhood education center for children ages 2.5 to 5. Full-day program with extended hours to support working families in the Farmington area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 6AM-6PM
- Who this helps
- Children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. Contact the center to ask about enrollment and openings. Contact the center for enrollment information and availability.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Opportunity Alliance Head Start South Portland
50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, ME 04106
Free Head Start preschool program for income-eligible children ages 3-5 in South Portland. Provides early education, meals, and family support services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children ages 3-5 from families at or below the federal poverty level. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving TANF are automatically eligible.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Westbrook PreK at Canal School
102 Glenwood Ave, Westbrook, ME 04092
Westbrook School Department’s Pre-K program is at Canal School. For 2026-27, children had to be 4 by October 15, 2026.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- For 2026-27, children had to be 4 years old on or before October 15, 2026.
Confirm details with the organization.
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YCCAC Head Start Biddeford
1 Enterprise Dr, Biddeford, ME 04005
Free Head Start preschool program for income-eligible children ages 3-5 in the Biddeford area. Provides early education, meals, and comprehensive family services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri during school year
- Who this helps
- Families may qualify based on income at or below the federal poverty level, homelessness, having a child in foster care, or receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP.
Confirm details with the organization.
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YCCAC Head Start Sanford
114 Emery St, Sanford, ME 04073
Free Head Start preschool program for income-eligible children ages 3-5 in Sanford and Springvale. Offers early education, meals, and comprehensive family services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri during school year
- Who this helps
- Families may qualify based on income at or below the federal poverty level, homelessness, having a child in foster care, or receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Good Samaritan Agency
100 Ridgewood Dr, Bangor, ME 04401
Provides parenting preparation, parenting support, and referrals to community resources for single parents.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The agency provides casework for single and teen parents; call about eligibility for other services.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Penquis Maine Families Home Visiting
Home visits at families' homes; Penquis contact office: 262 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04402-1162
The program offers free home visits to expectant parents and families with a new baby. Certified home visitors provide no-cost support and share information about health, nutrition, safety, child development, and family well-being.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Home visits arranged at the family's convenience; no set hours published
- Who this helps
- Expectant parents and families with a new baby; contact Penquis to ask about local coverage and eligibility.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council
232 Court St, Machias, ME 04654
Family support program offering diapers, Cribs for Kids, playgroups, and parenting classes. Serves families with young children throughout Washington County.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families in Hancock or Washington Counties can contact the Council; eligibility depends on the service. Contact Andrea to ask whether a specific program fits your situation.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families - Washington County
Machias, ME 04654
Details not fully confirmed
Free home visiting program for new and expectant parents in Washington County. Home visitors support healthy pregnancy, child development, parenting challenges, and connections to community resources through a child's third birthday.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Visits arranged with the local team.
- Who this helps
- Washington County residents who are pregnant or have a baby younger than three months can ask to enroll. Visits can continue through the child’s third birthday.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Washington County Children’s Program
Machias, Maine; confirm the program location with staff
Details not fully confirmed
A specialized early-childhood program in Machias for children ages one through six with developmental or other support needs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children ages one through six with support needs. Ask staff whether the program fits your child.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Bath Head Start/Early Head Start
34 Wing Farm Pkwy, Bath, ME 04530
Free Head Start early childhood education program for income-eligible families in the Bath and Brunswick area. Serves children ages 3-5 with comprehensive school readiness services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Eligibility depends on income and family size, with multiple eligibility levels. TANF, SSI, SNAP, foster parents, and families currently experiencing homelessness automatically qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Waldo CAP Head Start Belfast
9 Field St, Belfast, ME 04915
Details not fully confirmed
Free Head Start program for income-eligible families in Waldo County. Provides early childhood education, health services, and family support for children ages 3-5.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Four days per week; part-year schedule (call for current days and times)
- Who this helps
- Children ages 3-5 from families at or below the federal poverty level. Families receiving TANF, SSI, or in foster care also qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Skowhegan Early Head Start
130 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Skowhegan Early Head Start provides full-day, full-year care and early education for children 6 weeks to age 3; KVCAP prioritizes low-income families and parents working or going to school.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- This location serves children 6 weeks to age 3. KVCAP prioritizes low-income families, teen parents, and families receiving TANF/ASPIRE or a child care subsidy.
Confirm details with the organization.
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KVCAP Head Start Waterville
56 Drummond Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901
Free Head Start early childhood education for income-eligible families in the Waterville area. Serves children ages 3-5 with school readiness and family support programs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu, 7:45-11:15 AM or 12:00-3:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Children ages 3–5 may qualify through federal Head Start categories, including families receiving TANF, SSI or foster care. Maine also requires services for at-risk children in families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level; ask KVCAP about enrollment.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Children's Trust
56 Leighton Road, Augusta, ME 04330
Maine Children's Trust is a statewide nonprofit working to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families. The Trust leads Period of PURPLE Crying, supports local Prevention Councils, and operates Maine Families Home Visiting using the Parents as Teachers model. The Trust supports Maine Prevention Councils in every county.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Eligibility varies by program. Maine Families serves families expecting a baby or with a new baby; Prevention Councils offer support to families in their communities. Programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Rayitos de Sol Childcare
15 Martin Terrance Rd, Milbridge, ME 04658
Bilingual Spanish and English childcare and early learning for Downeast families. Ask about subsidies, scholarships and current openings.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact the program for current schedules.
- Who this helps
- Downeast families; current age groups, fees and space must be confirmed with staff.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Special Children’s Friends
Ellsworth, Maine; program locations differ
Details not fully confirmed
Special-purpose preschool for children with special needs in Hancock and Washington counties.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact the program for intake and appointment information.
- Who this helps
- Call the program to ask which services are available and what eligibility rules apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families - Hancock County
Home visits in Hancock County
No-charge home visiting for Hancock County residents who are expecting or parenting a baby.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Arrange visits with the local team.
- Who this helps
- Expectant parents and families with a baby in Hancock County. Ask the team about enrollment.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Calais/Baileyville Area Playgroup
21 Calais Avenue
A weekly Calais playgroup for parents and caregivers who attend with children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Wed 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Who this helps
- Parents and caregivers can attend with children.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Milbridge Area Play Group
87 Main Street, Milbridge
A weekly Milbridge playgroup for parents and caregivers with children ages 0 to 5.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Wed 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Who this helps
- Parents and caregivers may attend with children ages 0 to 5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Calais Fire/EMS Car Seat Help
312 North Street, Calais, ME 04619
Calais Fire/EMS offers car-seat inspections and helps income-eligible Maine families get a seat through an appointment with a certified technician.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families may make an appointment for a car-seat inspection. Income-eligible Maine families may get a seat by showing participation in eWIC, MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP and proof of Maine residency.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Sullivan Fire Rescue Car Seat Help
1769 US Highway 1, Sullivan, ME 04664
Sullivan Fire Rescue offers car-seat inspections and new seats for income-eligible families in need.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families may make an appointment for a car-seat inspection. Income-eligible Maine families in need may get a seat by showing participation in eWIC, MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP and proof of Maine residency.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families Mid-Coast
377 Manktown Road, Waldoboro, ME 04572; visits are in homes or by Zoom.
A free home visiting program for expectant parents and families with a new baby in Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Expectant parents and parents with a new baby who live in Knox, Lincoln, or Sagadahoc County may take part.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families: Waldo County
992 Waterville Road, Waldo, ME 04915
A no-cost home visiting program for Waldo County families who are expecting a baby or have recently had one.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families in Waldo County who are expecting or have recently had a baby can take part.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Rockland Child Development Center
7 High Street, Rockland, ME 04841
Penquis offers Early Head Start and Head Start preschool at its Rockland Child Development Center for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Early Head Start and Head Start at Rockland: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM.
- Who this helps
- Early Head Start serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years from low-income families. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Waldo CAP Early Childhood Program
Waldo CAP office: 9 Field Street, Suite 201, Belfast, ME 04915; services also take place in homes, schools, and centers.
Waldo CAP offers Early Head Start, Head Start, and public Pre-K in Waldo County. Families can get home visits or early learning in classrooms and partner schools.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Pre-K and school-based Head Start follow the public school schedule. Belfast Head Start and center-based Early Head Start: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-2:30 PM.
- Who this helps
- Early Head Start serves low-income expectant families and families with children from birth to age 3. Center classrooms are for children ages 6 weeks to 3. Head Start is for children who will be 3 or 4 by October 15, with enrollment based on income. Pre-K is for children who will be 4 by October 15 in participating school districts. Eligibility depends on where the family lives.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Healthy Kids Babies and Toddlers Program
PO Box 689 15 Belvedere Road Damariscotta ME 04543
Healthy Kids offers playgroups in Damariscotta and Thomaston, a four-week parenting course, and portable cribs for families who cannot afford a safe place for their infant to sleep.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Parents and caregivers with children ages 0 to 5 can join playgroups or the First Five Years course. Families who cannot afford a safe place for their infant to sleep may ask about a portable crib.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Bath Police Child Car Seat Installation
250 Water Street, Bath, ME 04530
Bath Police offers free child car seat installation by two certified officers.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Police department office hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Installations are by appointment.
- Who this helps
- Anyone who needs a child car seat installed can request an appointment.
Confirm details with the organization.
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CDS Aroostook
985 Skyway Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769
CDS Aroostook is a Maine Department of Education regional site for families with young children. It provides early intervention and special education services for eligible children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children from birth through age 5 may be referred when there are concerns about development or a possible disability. Early Intervention serves children from birth through age 2. Part B provides free public special education for eligible children ages 3 to 5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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CDS Two Rivers
797 Wilson Street, Suite 2, Brewer, ME 04412
CDS Two Rivers is a Maine Department of Education regional site for families with young children. It provides early intervention and special education services for eligible children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children from birth through age 5 may be referred when there are concerns about development or a possible disability. Early Intervention serves children from birth through age 2. Part B provides free public special education for eligible children ages 3 to 5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Morton Ave Child Development Center
48 Morton Avenue, Suite G
Penquis offers Early Head Start for low-income families with infants and toddlers, and Head Start preschool for low-income families with children ages 3 to 5. The Morton Avenue location serves Knox, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- 5 days per week, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Early Head Start serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years from low-income families. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families. Both programs serve Knox, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families Aroostook Home Visiting Program
37 Bangor Street, Suite 7, Houlton, Maine 04730
Maine Families Aroostook offers home visits for people who are expecting or have a new baby. Family Visitors share support and information for parents and children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- All families who are expecting or have a baby under 3 months may join. Visits can continue until the child turns 3.
Confirm details with the organization.
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RSU 22 Public Pre-K at Earl C. McGraw School
20 Main Road North, Hampden, ME 04444
RSU 22 offers free, inclusive Pre-K at Earl C. McGraw School for eligible four-year-olds who live in Hampden or Newburgh.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:50 AM-2:55 PM
- Who this helps
- For 2026-27, children must turn four on or before October 15, 2026, and live in Hampden or Newburgh. Families must register in the town where the child lives.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Prevention Council Parenting Education
Most classes are on Zoom. Penquis contact office: 262 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04402-1162.
Penquis offers free parenting classes. Most classes meet on Zoom.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- No specific eligibility rules are stated.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Portland Public Schools Pre-K
Multiple Portland Public Schools buildings and two partner sites; see the program page for current locations.
Portland Public Schools offers public Pre-K for eligible four-year-olds in district schools and two partner sites. Seats are offered through a lottery.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Early-start sites: 7:40 AM-2:10 PM (Wednesday 1:10 PM); late-start sites: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM (Wednesday 2:30 PM); Peaks Island: 8:20 AM-3:05 PM (Wednesday 12:20 PM).
- Who this helps
- For 2026-27, children must turn four on or before October 15, 2026. Children with an IEP or who are homeless or unhoused on or after July 1 automatically qualify for a public Pre-K seat. All families must apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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South Portland Public Pre-K
South Portland School Department, 120 Wescott Road, South Portland, ME 04106
South Portland Schools offers public pre-K for children who meet its age cutoff.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
- Who this helps
- For 2026-27, children who would be four years old by October 15, 2026 could enter the lottery.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Biddeford Public Pre-K at Biddeford Primary School
320 Hill Street, Biddeford, ME 04005
Biddeford Schools offers public pre-K for children who meet the age cutoff.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children who turn four on or before October 15 may register for pre-K.
Confirm details with the organization.
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York County Early Head Start - Springvale
14 King Street Springvale, ME 04083
York County Early Head Start offers full-day, year-round care and early education for infants and toddlers at its Springvale center.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children ages 6 weeks to 3 years who live in York County may apply. Families may qualify if their income is at or below the federal poverty level, they are experiencing homelessness, they have a child in foster care, or they receive TANF, SSI, or SNAP.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families - York County
25 June Street, Sanford, ME 04073
Maine Families York County offers free home visits to families expecting a baby or with a baby under 3 months old.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families expecting a baby or with a baby less than 3 months old may qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families Greater Portland
50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, ME 04106
Maine Families Greater Portland offers free, voluntary home visits to expectant parents and families with eligible infants. Family Visitors share parenting information and help connect families to local resources.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The team serves Cape Elizabeth, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and the Cumberland County islands. People who are pregnant or have an infant 3 months old or younger may qualify. People under 21 who are pregnant or have an infant 6 months old or younger, adoptive parents of infants up to 12 months, and kinship placements of infants up to 12 months may also qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Mid Coast Hospital Car Seat Program
123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011
MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital offers free car seats and inspections in Brunswick. People can sign up online or contact the car seat team.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Ask the car seat team whether a seat or inspection is available for your situation.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Children's Trust Parenting Education
Statewide support
The Maine Prevention Council Network offers free parenting education through local councils across Maine for parents and caregivers.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Parents and caregivers across Maine can look for classes. Class options vary, with groups from prenatal through age 18 and options for different family needs.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Cribs for Kids in Maine
Statewide support
Cribs for Kids in Maine works with local partners to provide safe sleep education and free portable cribs, such as Pack 'n Plays, for families who need a safe place for their baby to sleep.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families who need a safe place for their baby to sleep can ask a local partner about support.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Car Seat Distribution Sites
Statewide support
Maine partner sites offer car seat checks and car seats for families who meet the program rules.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families can request car seat checks at partner sites. To receive a seat, caregivers must show participation in eWIC, MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP, plus proof of Maine residency.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Community Concepts Family Resource Center
240 Bates Street location in Lewiston
Community Concepts’ Lewiston Family Resource Center connects families with support for child care, parenting, mental health, and other family needs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Families can use the center’s low-barrier supports for child and family well-being.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families Home Visiting - KVCAP
Home visits in Kennebec and Somerset counties. KVCAP's Waterville office is at 101 Water St., Waterville, ME 04901-6339.
KVCAP’s free Maine Families program offers home visiting support to parents in Kennebec and Somerset counties who are expecting a baby or have a newborn.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Parents who live in Kennebec or Somerset County and are expecting or have a newborn at home are invited to take part.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Southern Kennebec Child Development Gardiner Center
12 Plummer St., Gardiner, ME 04345
SKCDC’s Gardiner Center offers no-fee part-day Head Start for children ages 3 to 5 and no-fee Early Head Start for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. A combined Head Start and child care classroom is also available for ages 3 to 5; child care may have a fee.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 from income-eligible families. Early Head Start serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Southern Kennebec Child Development Car Seat Distribution
36 Anthony Avenue, STE 101, Augusta, ME 04330-7891
Income-eligible families can make an appointment with a certified technician to get a car seat.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Income-eligible Maine families need proof of current eWIC, MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP participation and proof of Maine residency.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Gilbert Elementary School Pre-K
16 Sunset Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
Gilbert Elementary is Augusta’s dedicated public Pre-K site for families across the city.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM - 2:45 PM
- Who this helps
- Children must be 4 years old on or before October 15, 2026.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Community Concepts Sharon's Place Head Start
310 West Bethel Road, Bethel, ME
Head Start Preschool/Pre-K at Sharon’s Place helps children ages 3 to 5 build early learning and social skills for school.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Head Start Preschool/Pre-K serves children ages 3 to 5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Early Intervention for ME - Lewiston Regional Site
5 Gendron Drive, Suite 1, Lewiston, ME 04240
Early Intervention for ME is a free, voluntary program for Maine children from birth to age three with developmental delays or conditions likely to lead to delays. Specialists show caregivers ways to support learning in daily activities.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Maine children from birth to age three may qualify if they have developmental delays or conditions likely to lead to delays. An assessment helps decide if a child qualifies.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Early Intervention for ME - Oxford Regional Site
16 Madison Avenue, Oxford, ME 04270
Early Intervention for ME is a free, voluntary program for Maine children from birth to age three who show developmental delays or may be at risk for them.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Maine children from birth to age three who show developmental delays or have conditions likely to lead to delays may qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Early Intervention for ME - Rumford Regional Site
60 Lowell Street, Rumford, ME 04276
Early Intervention for ME is a free, voluntary program for Maine children from birth to age three who show developmental delays or may be at risk for them.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Maine children from birth to age three who show developmental delays or have conditions likely to lead to delays may qualify.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Young Bucks After School Care
G.H. Jewett School, 66 Bridge Street, Bucksport
The Bucksport YMCA offers Young Bucks after-school care at Jewett School for students in kindergarten through grade 5.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- For students in kindergarten through grade 5 at Jewett School. Residents of YMCA supporting communities such as Bucksport may get registration discounts and may qualify for membership or program scholarships.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Seacoast Mission Journey Mentoring
Downeast Campus, Cherryfield, ME
Journey is a six-year mentoring program for Downeast students that begins in seventh grade.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- For Downeast youth in Washington County in grades 7 through 12.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Penobscot Bay YMCA After School Programs
116 Union Street, Rockport, ME 04856
Penobscot Bay YMCA offers after-school care until 5:30 p.m.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- After School - 5:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Call Penobscot Bay YMCA to ask whether your child can enroll. Financial assistance considers family size and household income.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Bath Area Family YMCA Before and After School Care
303 Centre Street, Bath, ME 04530
Y Care offers before- and after-school care for students enrolled at participating schools.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to start of school; after school to 5:30 PM
- Who this helps
- For students in kindergarten through grade five who are actively enrolled at a participating school.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Bangor Region YMCA Before and After School Child Care
17 Second St.
The Bangor Region YMCA offers before- and after-school care for Pre-K through grade 6 students in the Bangor region.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Before school: 6:30 AM to school start; after school: school end to 6:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Pre-K through grade 6 students in the Bangor region may enroll. Before-school care at the YMCA is for Bangor and Brewer families. After-school site and grade rules vary by location. Families may qualify for financial assistance, and the YMCA accepts state support programs such as CCSP, Aspire, Hope, and TANF.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Old Town-Orono YMCA After School Activity Program
472 Stillwater Avenue
The Old Town-Orono YMCA offers school-year after-school care for Pre-K through grade 5 children ages 4 to 12.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, end of school day to 5:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Children in Pre-K through grade 5, ages 4 to 12, may enroll when there is space in their classroom.
Confirm details with the organization.
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PACC Kid Program After School
48 Park St.
PACC offers its Kid Program after school during the 2026-2027 school year.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Regular after-school days: 2:45 PM to 5:30 PM
- Who this helps
- The Kid Program is for children who need after-school care. Families may choose full-time or flexible care; flexible care depends on available space.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec School Age Child Care at Caribou Community School
24 Bennett Drive
Avec Community Action provides licensed school-age care at Caribou Community School for children ages 5 to 12.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM during the school year
- Who this helps
- Children ages 5 to 12 may enroll.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Brunswick Area Teen Center
Coffin School, rear entrance next to the school bus parking lot, 20 Barrows Street, Brunswick, ME 04011
A free drop-in space for youth in grades 6 through 12, with meals, activities, and school and job support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- School year: Mon-Fri 2:30 PM-5:30 PM; summer: Tue-Fri 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Youth in grades 6 through 12 can join. There are no geographic membership requirements.
Confirm details with the organization.
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My Place Teen Center - Westbrook
755 Main Street, Westbrook
My Place Teen Center offers a free, year-round after-school program with meals and learning, life, and job skills support for youth ages 10 to 18.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM; Tue 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM; Wed 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM; Thu 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM; Fri 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- The Westbrook location serves youth ages 10 to 18 in Cumberland County.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Apex Youth Connection
45 Granite St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Youth programs in Biddeford for grades 5 through 12, including an open bike shop, Earn-a-Bike, robotics, after-school programs and summer camp.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Kids in grades 5 through 12. Youth Conservation Corps jobs are for high school-aged youth.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Alfond Youth & Community Center After School Programs
126 North Street, Waterville, Maine
AYCC provides after-school care for eligible students at its Waterville Burger-Roy Learning Center.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 2:15 PM - 5:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Students from Waterville and Winslow public schools, RSU 18, and MSAD 49 may attend the Waterville site. For the 2026-2027 school year, children must be ages 5-12 and entering kindergarten.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Winthrop Kids Club
23 Highland Avenue, Winthrop, ME 04364
Winthrop Kids Club is a supervised after-school program for Winthrop Grade School students.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Winthrop Grade School students.
Confirm details with the organization.
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REACH After School Program at Skowhegan Area Middle School
155 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976
REACH offers after-school programming for students at Skowhegan Area Middle School in a safe, structured setting.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Students at Mill Stream Elementary School, Margaret Chase Smith Community School, and Skowhegan Area Middle School can apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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MaineCare (Medicaid) Enrollment
Statewide support
MaineCare provides free and low-cost health insurance to Mainers who meet income and household requirements. MaineCare is health coverage for eligible Maine residents. Covered services vary by coverage group and may include medical, dental, prescription, and behavioral health care.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Phone: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM-4:00 PM; DHHS offices: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Income-based eligibility. Adults up to 138% FPL, children and pregnant women at higher thresholds. Apply online through My Maine Connection, by phone, or at your local DHHS office.
Confirm details with the organization.
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TANF Cash Assistance & ASPIRE Program
Statewide support
Maine's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program provides monthly cash benefits to families with children. The ASPIRE program helps TANF participants build skills for employment through job training and education supports.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Phone: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Families with dependent children living at home and pregnant individuals may qualify; financial and other eligibility rules apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Statewide support
Maine's Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children age 18 and younger at approved summer sites in areas with many low-income children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Any child age 18 or younger can get free meals at an approved site. Sites are in areas with many low-income children.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Free State Park Day Use for Seniors and Young Children
Statewide support
Maine residents age 65 or older receive free day-use admission at Maine State Parks. Children under 5 are free. Children ages 5 to 11 usually pay $1 per day, but Fort Knox has a different child rate. Children under 12 are free at Colonial Pemaquid.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Maine residents age 65 or older receive free day-use admission. Children under 5 are free. Children ages 5 to 11 pay the posted child rate, with a different rate at Fort Knox. Children under 12 are free at Colonial Pemaquid.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Every Kid Outdoors Fourth Grade Pass
Statewide support
U.S. fourth graders, including homeschool students at the equivalent grade level, can get a free pass for participating federal recreation sites.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- The pass is for U.S. fourth-grade students, including homeschool students at the equivalent grade level.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Free Childhood Vaccines (Maine Immunization Program)
Statewide support
Maine children ages 0 to 18 can receive recommended vaccines through the Universal Immunization Program, regardless of insurance. Vaccine doses are at no cost, though a provider may charge an administration fee.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children in Maine ages 0 to 18 may receive recommended vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Care Coordination for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Statewide support
Maine CDC helps families coordinate care for children and youth with special health care needs. Coordinators can help families find services and move through complex care systems.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Maine residents with children from birth to age 21 who have, or may be at risk for, long-term chronic medical, behavioral, or emotional conditions that require ongoing or specialized care.
Confirm details with the organization.
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No-Charge School Meals in Maine Public Schools
Statewide support
Maine public schools serve breakfast and lunch at no charge. Some tuition-approved private schools must also provide no-charge meals to their publicly funded students.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Students at Maine public schools can get school meals at no charge. A tuition-approved private school must provide no-charge breakfast or lunch to its publicly funded students if it has at least 60% publicly funded students, participates in the National School Lunch Program, and serves that meal.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Child Support Services
Statewide support
Maine DHHS can establish paternity, determine, collect, or enforce child support, and locate parents. Some custodial parents may have a $35 annual federal fee for a case if the family has never received TANF cash assistance and DHHS has paid out at least $550 in child support for that case during the federal fiscal year.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Parents who need help establishing paternity, determining, collecting, or enforcing child support, or locating a parent may apply. Parents receiving TANF get child support services automatically.
Confirm details with the organization.
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$500 Alfond Grant for Maine Babies
Statewide support
The Alfond Grant provides $500 for eligible Maine babies’ future higher education expenses. Children born as Maine residents on or after January 1, 2013 are deemed eligible after FAME receives state birth records.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call to confirm current hours.
- Who this helps
- Children born on or after January 1, 2013 and reported as Maine resident births are deemed eligible when FAME receives state records. Children not reported as Maine resident births may qualify by proving residency at birth. Children born outside Maine may also qualify if a NextGen 529 account is opened by their first birthday while they are Maine residents.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Federal Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit
Statewide support
A federal tax credit for families with qualifying children.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM local time
- Who this helps
- Qualifying children and dependents must meet IRS rules for the tax year. The taxpayer or spouse filing jointly, and each qualifying child, must have a Social Security number valid for employment in the United States. Other IRS rules and income limits apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Dependent Exemption Tax Credit
Statewide support
Maine's Dependent Exemption Tax Credit is a state tax credit for qualifying children and dependents.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Maine residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents may qualify for a child or dependent who meets the federal Child Tax Credit rule for the tax year you are filing. Income phaseouts apply. The credit is refundable for residents and part-year residents. Nonresident claims are prorated.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Free Fishing for Kids Under 16
Statewide support
Maine residents and nonresidents under 16 may fish without a license. Fishing seasons, limits, and special rules still apply.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Maine residents and nonresidents under 16 may fish without a license.
Confirm details with the organization.
Listings may include nearby communities. Contact the organization to confirm its current location, hours, and who it serves.
Find the right fit for your family.
Availability and program requirements can be very different from one provider to another.
Match the daily routine
Ask which ages are served, the hours of care, transportation options, and whether there is a waitlist.
Check the full cost
Ask about fees, meals, supplies, and whether the provider accepts childcare assistance.
Share what your child needs
Discuss allergies, communication, accessibility, and developmental support before deciding on a program.