Our Focus
Philosophy
Two generations ago, child-rearing expert Benjamin Spock noted that “a child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.” He observed the intensity and focus of children at play, and how play helps them learn. In the decades since, scientists researching child development have continued to discover the many ways play fosters brain development, including cognitive and social growth.
At the Children’s Center, we provide the environment essential for children to flourish at the “hard work” we call play. The sights and sounds here reflect the joy, curiosity, and imagination children bring to all kinds of pursuits. Each day is busy with activities like art, storytelling, enjoying books, running and jumping, dramatic play, circle time, and exploration. These activities build strengths in all areas -- fine motor skills, gross motor skills, reading, math, science, listening, getting along, (and resting).
Learn more about our curriculum for each program:
History
The Children’s Center was founded in 1978 by a group of students and faculty at Westbrook College, and the preschool grew into a lab school for the college’s education-degree program. When the University of New England took over and ended that program, a group of dedicated parents, rather than give up such high-quality child care, worked with the university to preserve it as a private school. Today, that commitment to quality and community thrives. Parents serve on The Children’s Center Board and UNE continues to provide many benefits, including indoor gym space for rainy days and other facilities for meetings, school-wide sing-a-longs, and potluck picnics. The Children’s Center remains a model education center for young children, and works with programs at the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College to showcase best practices for teachers in training.
Learn more about our curriculum for each program:
Accreditation
The Children’s Center has chosen to meet the rigorous standards of excellence set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Among many stipulations, NAEYC requires low teacher-child ratios, greater classroom and play space, and a curriculum with scope and excellence not found in many preschools. The Children’s Center is also licensed by the Maine State Department of Human Services and meets the requirements of the Maine State Department of Education.
Facilities
The Children’s Center is lucky to have outdoor play space that is large and almost magical. In addition to excellent equipment, there are paths, trees, nooks and crannies perfect for imaginative play but easily supervised. The toddlers play in a separate area with equipment scaled to their size and safety needs.
Physical activity, what child-development experts call “gross motor activity,” is important for body and mind. Research shows that moving arms and legs, hopping, skipping, jumping, catching and throwing, and all sorts of activity foster children’s general health, stress management, social growth, and brain development. That is why, at The Children’s Center, we play outdoors at several points every day, except in extreme weather. On inclement days children enjoy access to UNE’s gymnasium and other facilities.
Teachers also plan field trips for nature, arts and community events to enrich the children’s experience. The Burbank public library branch, Evergreen Cemetery, and Baxter Woods are within walking distance.
Our building at 721 Steven’s Avenue is a Victorian house that has been converted to a unique and welcoming space. All of our six classrooms are bright and sunny, with hardwood floors. Yet each room is different with distinctive features.
The Chalkboard
Come Visit Us
Call 207-797-9366 to set up an appointment.
Up coming events
Parents visit often to keep up to date with the latest events and planned volunteer efforts. At the Children’s Center we strive to keep everyone involved. The kids like it that way!
Visit our Events Calendar to see what’s next.
Kindergarten Information Night
December 1st, 6:30 pm
(Snow Date: December 6th)
Click to download flyer below for more iinformation