Welcome to SKCDC

We offer high quality early learning programs throughout Southern Kennebec County and serve children and families from birth right up to Kindergarten. With a variety of program options and locations, SKCDC offers learning experiences that support school readiness, family engagement, and fun! We welcome you to learn more about our Head Start and Child Care programs.
Open Enrollment
Head Start
Early Head Start
and Child Care services
for children birth-age five.
Begin Enrollment!
We are Hiring!
We welcome applications from enthusiastic and
energetic individuals who love working with the
youngest generation to join our team.
  • Teachers
  • Assistant Teachers
  • Administrative Staff
    For our Head Start and Early Head Start classes.
    • Join Our Team!
    Beginning in the fall of 2026, SKCDC will be implementing the Kind Mind program.

    Kind Mind is a trauma-informed, evidence-based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework designed for educators, children, and families. It provides actionable, hands-on tools to help teachers manage classrooms while teaching children to self-regulate, build resilience, and develop empathy.
    The curriculum focuses on prevention and building emotional literacy so that children develop foundational mental health skills.
    Learn More
    Children’s Oral Health
    SKCDC partners with the Children’s Oral Health Network to
    offer a Virtual Dental Home (VDH) care at our local
    Head Start centers.
    Click Here

    Winter Weather

    When stormy weather impacts
    our operations you can find the
    latest updates at
    News Center Maine.

    Enrolled families will receive
    information via the
    One Call Now notification system.

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    🌱 Gardiner's gotta garden at Gardiner Center! 🌱

    Our Gardiner Early Head Start friends spent some sunshine-filled time in the garden this week, and they took their harvesting duties very seriously! Green beans, tomatoes, and even a cucumber were picked with the biggest smiles.

    Of course, no harvest is complete without a little taste testing along the way. 🍅 Fresh-from-the-vine snacks might just be the best kind!

    There's something so special about watching little ones connect with where their food comes from, dirt-covered hands and all. 💚

    Our Gardiner Center provides Head Start Preschool and subsidized childcare for
    children ages 3-5.

    We also have an Early Head Start classroom for children ages 6 weeks - 3yrs old.

    To learn more about our Gardiner Center or other SKCDC centers, and child
    care subsidies, contact our Enrollment Manager at 207-582-3110 ext. 111 or visit our website at www.skcdc.org

    Join our SKCDC family...you belong here! All eligible SKCDC sites hold level 5
    Rising Stars for ME certificates from DHHS.

    What's your favorite thing to grow in your garden? Tell us in the comments!

    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #EarlyHeadStart #EarlyChildhood #MaineKids #MaineFamilies #GardinerCenter     ... See MoreSee Less

    1 day ago
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    Big thanks to everyone who shopped at Hannaford this summer! 💚

    Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation was chosen as a recipient in the Hannaford Community Bag Program for July, and every reusable bag purchased helped support the work we do for children and families right here in our community.

    We're so grateful for partners like Hannaford who make it possible to keep growing our impact. Thank you for shopping with purpose!

    Did you pick up a Hannaford Community Bag this summer? Let us know in the comments! 👇

    #YouBelongAtSKCDC #HeadStart #MaineFamilies #FamilyEngagement     ... See MoreSee Less

    2 days ago
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    What a wonderful evening at Family Fun Night at Mill Park! 🎉

    Our SKCDC team had such a great time connecting with current, past, and hopefully future families in the community. From ring toss with our friendly dinosaur to chasing bubbles across the field, the smiles said it all. 🦕🫧

    Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and share in the fun. Moments like these remind us why we love being part of this community.

    Did we see you at Family Fun Night? Drop a comment and let us know your favorite part! 👇

    #youbelongatskcdc #headstart #mainekids #MaineFamilies #FamilyEngagement     ... See MoreSee Less

    3 days ago
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    “The staff does an extraordinary job coming together and making sure each child has what they need, when they need it, how they need it.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “Everyone is so welcoming and supportive and show they really care about my child’s well being and development."
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “What I like most is the good and constant communication and engagement with families.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    “I love his teachers! They are so patient and have really helped my child grow and learn in so many ways.”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "Everyone here is like a family. He has learned so much that it surprises me everyday!”
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I like the family feel in the classroom and the growth my child has received with the help of the program"
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I love how they care about each student. I have come to love everyone here 🙂 my son is exited to go to school everyday that earns my momma heart thank you to everyone who helps support my children!"
    Annual Family Survey 2026
    "I love how they come in my home and help me to work with my child on his learning."
    Annual Family Survey 2026