Now Enrolling: Penquis early childhood programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers

BANGOR, Maine (PENQUIS) - Penquis is currently accepting enrollments for Early Head Start and Head Start classroom programs, offering high-quality early learning opportunities for children from infancy through age five. Families are encouraged to apply now to secure a place in these comprehensive programs that support children’s development and family well-being. With limited spaces available, early enrollment helps ensure children can begin building the skills they need for lifelong success in a supportive and nurturing environment.

At the same time, Penquis is expanding its impact through the upcoming Bright Beginnings Childcare Center, with a grand opening planned for September, marking an exciting new chapter in early childhood education for the Greater Bangor region. Kelley Graffam, from Penquis Child Development, stopped by the WABI studios to talk about enrollment opportunities.

Penquis Early Childhood Programs: Building Strong Foundations for Learning and Family Success

Penquis continues to provide high-quality early childhood education through its Infant/Toddler (Early Head Start) and Preschool (Head Start) classrooms, supporting children and families with comprehensive, development-focused services.

Infant/Toddler Program (Early Head Start Classrooms): Penquis Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers from 6 weeks to age 3, offering a nurturing and engaging environment designed to promote healthy development during the most critical early years. This year-round program operates five days a week, six hours per day, ensuring consistent care and learning opportunities for children from low-income families.

The program emphasizes school readiness by fostering each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth within a positive learning environment. Penquis employs highly qualified teachers, each holding at least an Associate’s degree, with many possessing Bachelor’s Degrees, who create developmentally appropriate experiences tailored to each child.

Children receive regular developmental and health screenings along with ongoing assessments. Penquis also connects families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure children receive comprehensive care.

Family engagement remains central. Teachers partner with families to support each child’s growth while also helping families achieve personal goals in areas such as housing stability, education, and financial security.

Preschool Program (Head Start Classrooms, Ages 3–5): Penquis Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 through a structured preschool program that operates five days a week during a 41-week school year.

Classrooms provide a safe, supportive environment where children build essential skills in language, literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Teachers are highly qualified, with at least an Associate’s degree, and many hold Bachelor’s Degrees. All children participate in developmental and health screenings and ongoing assessments to guide individualized learning. At larger sites, Family Support Workers connect families with vital health services and community resources, ensuring a coordinated approach to care. Penquis continues to prioritize family partnerships, supporting families as they work toward goals related to education, housing, and economic stability.

Bright Beginnings: Expanding Access, Strengthening Communities

In response to the growing need for affordable, high-quality childcare, Penquis is developing the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center, a state-of-the-art, 16-classroom facility serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the Greater Bangor area. With a grand opening planned for September, Bright Beginnings will significantly expand access to early care and education, helping more families benefit from the proven success of Penquis programs.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to the community:

· A Brighter Future for Children: Creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development

· Empowering Families: Supporting parents as they enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence

· Strengthening the Economy: Contributing to a more stable and productive local workforce

Every contribution matters. Community members can also take part in building this future. Financial support for Bright Beginnings is more than a donation, it is an investment in children, families, and the long-term strength of the community. If you’d like to be part of this exciting new venture, log on to www.penquis.org/bright-beginnings to donate to the new center.

A Commitment to Children and Families

Across all programs, Penquis remains focused on creating meaningful partnerships with families while delivering high-quality early childhood education and wraparound services.

“Early childhood is a critical time for building the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being,” said Kelley Graffam, from Penquis Child Development, “Penquis is proud to partner with families to ensure children have the support, care, and opportunities they need to thrive both in school and in life.”

Through Early Head Start, Head Start, and the upcoming Bright Beginnings center, Penquis continues to invest in brighter futures, one child, one family, and one community at a time. To find out more information on Early Childhood Programs, contact Kelley Graffam at kgraffam@penquis.org or 207-973-3567; or to learn about any of the more than 50 services Penquis provides, call (207) 973-3500, visit their website at Penquis.org, or check out the Penquis Facebook page.