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Childcare & Family · Blue Hill

A strong start,
around Blue Hill.

Find childcare assistance, Head Start, early childhood programs, after-school care, and family support in or around Blue Hill.

Find childcare and family support

Childcare and family resources around Blue Hill

Local listings and statewide options. Contact the organization before visiting.

  • Early learning

    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.

  • Childcare & referralsEarly learning

    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.

  • Early learning

    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.

  • Parenting & family

    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.

  • Childcare & referrals

    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.

  • Childcare & referrals

    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.

  • Parenting & family

    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.

  • Early learning

    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.

  • Parenting & family

    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.

  • Early learning

    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.

  • Childcare & referrals

    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.

  • Nutrition Assistance

    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.

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.

  1. Match the daily routine

    Ask which ages are served, the hours of care, transportation options, and whether there is a waitlist.

  2. Check the full cost

    Ask about fees, meals, supplies, and whether the provider accepts childcare assistance.

  3. Share what your child needs

    Discuss allergies, communication, accessibility, and developmental support before deciding on a program.