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Find childcare assistance, Head Start, early childhood programs, after-school care, and family support 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 or by phone.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; toll-free 1-877-680-5866
- Who this helps
- Families must be working, in school, or in job training. 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
357 Elm 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
- Mon-Fri (center hours vary by classroom)
- Who this helps
- Families at or below the federal poverty level. Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Foster children, children experiencing homelessness, and children receiving public assistance are automatically eligible.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Penquis Head Start - Bangor
262 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401
Free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for children from low-income families in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri (center hours vary)
- 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
240 Bates St, Lewiston, ME 04240
Free Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Oxford and Androscoggin counties, with center-based and home-based options.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri (center hours vary)
- Who this helps
- Families at or below the federal poverty level in Oxford or Androscoggin counties. 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
Free online tool to search licensed childcare providers in Maine including family daycares, centers, nursery schools, and Head Start programs.
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 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101
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
- Income-based (federal poverty guidelines). Priority for families receiving TANF, SSI, or experiencing homelessness or foster care. Children ages 0–5.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine
277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
After-school and summer programs for ages 7–18. Only $5 annual membership. No child turned away for inability to pay.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Ages 7–18. $5 annual membership fee. No child turned away for inability to pay.
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
- Pregnant women or parents/caregivers with a baby under 3 months old.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec Head Start — Ellsworth
18 Avery Lane, Ellsworth, ME 04605
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
225 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
Free Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Serves Kennebec and Somerset counties.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Call for program schedule
- Who this helps
- Income-based (at or below 100% federal poverty level). Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Avec Head Start — Machias
125 University Drive, Machias, ME 04654
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
Federally funded tribal Head Start program providing free preschool education, child development services, nutrition, and cultural immersion for Passamaquoddy children and families.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri during school year
- Who this helps
- Passamaquoddy tribal families and other income-eligible families in the area.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Club of Bordertowns - Sipayik
59 Passamaquoddy Road, Perry, ME 04667
Free after-school program for youth grades K-12 providing cultural, educational, and physical activities on the Pleasant Point Reservation.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- After school hours; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Youth ages 5-18. Free for all families.
Confirm details with the organization.
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YMCA of Southern Maine Childcare
70 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
The YMCA of Southern Maine provides toddler care, before and after school programs, and school-age childcare for kindergarten through 5th grade. Multiple locations across southern Maine with financial assistance available.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, hours vary by program
- Who this helps
- Open to all families. 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
- Mon-Fri, call for hours
- Who this helps
- Open to families with children from infancy through school age. Accepts MaineCare, Child Development Services referrals, and private pay. Sliding scale fees available.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Youth & Family Outreach
331 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
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 free early childhood education for children from 6 weeks to age 5. 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
- Free for income-eligible families. Priority for families at or below federal poverty guidelines. Head Start and Early Head Start income requirements apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Boys & Girls Club of Bangor
161 Davis Road, Bangor, ME 04401
The Boys & Girls Club of Bangor provides quality after-school, summer, and teen programming for youth. The facility also houses the Opportunity Center, combining childcare, life-skills workshops, and family resources.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, after school and summer hours
- Who this helps
- Open to youth in the Bangor area. Membership fees apply; financial assistance available for families in need.
Confirm details with the organization.
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St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center
87 High Street, Portland, ME 04101
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, call for hours
- 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
- Mon-Fri, call 211 option 5
- 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 free 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
- Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
- Who this helps
- Free for all parents and caregivers of children with disabilities or special health care needs. No income requirements.
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
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Open to all families in Franklin County. Many programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine
66 Elm St, Suite 100, Camden, ME 04843
Free one-on-one mentoring program matching youth ages 5-16 with trained adult volunteers across seven Maine counties. Community-based and school-based programs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, call for hours
- Who this helps
- Youth ages 5-16 in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, or Waldo counties. Free to all families.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (AFFM)
34 Main St, Orono, ME 04473
Free statewide support for adoptive, foster, and kinship families, including grandparents raising grandchildren. Five regional kinship navigators help families access training, legal information, and peer support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, call for hours
- 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 24/7 supervised residential care, foster care, day treatment, and educational services in Ellsworth, Old Town, and Millinocket.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Administrative: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Residential: 24/7
- Who this helps
- Youth and families referred through DHHS, schools, or other agencies.
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
- Contact the referral team to arrange an assessment.
- Who this helps
- Families can refer a child under three without a pediatrician’s referral. Assessment 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 Action Agency serving Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties with Head Start, Early Head Start, and childcare programs for children ages 0-5, along with comprehensive family support services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 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. Children with disabilities are also eligible regardless of income.
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 for youth ages 7-18 at multiple locations in Portland, South Portland, and Auburn. Programs include homework help, arts, athletics, swimming, and nutritious meals in a safe environment.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri, after school to 7:00 PM (varies by location)
- Who this helps
- Youth ages 7-18. Membership fees are kept low to ensure accessibility. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for families who need help with fees. No child is turned away due to inability to pay.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine
PO Box 123, Westbrook, ME 04098
Youth mentoring program serving southern Maine, matching children with caring adult mentors through community-based and school-based programs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Children and youth who could benefit from a positive mentoring relationship. 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
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; child abuse hotline 24/7
- 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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ACAP Head Start
771 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Free early childhood education and family support for income-eligible families with children ages 0-5. Centers located in Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Easton, Caribou, and Houlton.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri; varies by center
- Who this helps
- Families with children ages 0-5 who meet federal income guidelines. Families receiving TANF, SSI, or in foster care are automatically eligible. 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
Social services and family support programs provided by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Offers childcare assistance, family strengthening programs, and culturally grounded support services.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
- Who this helps
- Tribal members and their families are the primary focus. Some programs may be available to the broader community. Contact for details.
Confirm details with the organization.
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WMCA Our Place to Grow
105 Mount Blue Circle, 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. Subsidized slots may be available based on income eligibility. 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
- Mon-Fri during school year
- 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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Opportunity Alliance Head Start Westbrook
102 Glenwood Ave, Westbrook, ME 04092
Free Head Start preschool program at Canal Elementary for income-eligible children ages 3-5 in Westbrook. Includes early education, meals, and family support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri during school year
- 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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YCCAC Head Start Biddeford
2 Stone St, 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
- 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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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
- 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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Good Samaritan Agency
100 Ridgewood Dr, Bangor, ME 04401
Provides pregnancy counseling, parenting education, and support services for families in the Bangor area. Offers material assistance for new parents.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
- Who this helps
- Pregnant women and parents of young children in the Bangor area.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Penquis Maine Families Home Visiting
Bangor, ME 04401
Free home visiting program for expectant parents and families with young children. Trained visitors provide parenting support, child development guidance, and resource connections.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri; visits scheduled by appointment
- Who this helps
- Expectant parents and families with children birth to age 5 in the Penquis service area. Voluntary program.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council
232 Court St, Machias, ME 04654
Family support program offering a free diaper program, Cribs for Kids, playgroups, and parenting classes. Serves families with young children throughout Washington County.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM
- Who this helps
- Families with young children in Washington County. All programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Families - Washington County
Machias, ME 04654
Free home visiting program for new and expectant parents in Washington County. Trained family visitors provide support, parenting education, and resource connections from pregnancy 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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Sunrise Opportunities Children's Program
Machias, Maine; confirm the program location with staff
A specialized early-childhood program in Machias for children ages one through six with developmental or other support needs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact the program for current hours and openings.
- 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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MMCA Head Start - Bath/Brunswick
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
- Mon-Fri during school year
- 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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Waldo CAP Head Start Belfast
9 Field St, Belfast, ME 04915
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
- Mon-Fri during school year
- 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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KVCAP Head Start Skowhegan
130 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Free Head Start early childhood education for income-eligible families in the Skowhegan area. Comprehensive services for children ages 3-5 including health screenings and family support.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri during school year
- 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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KVCAP Head Start Waterville
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-Fri during school year
- 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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Maine Children's Trust
56 Leighton Road, Augusta, ME 04330
Statewide nonprofit working to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families. Leads the Period of PURPLE Crying program, Healthy Relationships Project, and Parents as Teachers home visiting. Coordinates Family Resource Centers in every Maine county.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Who this helps
- All Maine families. Programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Rayitos de Sol Childcare
Milbridge, Maine; ask staff for the current childcare entrance
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
Early intervention and case-management support for children and families in Hancock County.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact the program for intake and appointment information.
- Who this helps
- Ask staff which service fits your child, including age, referral and funding requirements.
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.
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.