Creative Learning Center | MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital

The MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital Creative Learning Center serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, both full-time and part-time, across five classrooms.

We follow The Creative Curriculum®, providing a rich, well planned and varied program which integrates learning into children’s play. We track each child’s development in all areas (physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language) and share this information with families. Children graduate from our preschool program ready for kindergarten and beyond.

We nurture each child by respecting individuality with heartfelt compassion and by creating a positive early childhood experience. We treat each family with dignity, empathy and confidentiality.

We believe that children learn primarily through play and we use play experiences to foster children’s development in all areas: physical development, cognitive development, social/emotional development, and language development. Content learning in the areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and process skills, are integrated into children’s play experiences.

We believe that the primary role of the teacher is to build relationships with children, to provide an appropriate learning environment, and to provide opportunities for many firsthand experiences which invite children to investigate, represent and care. We believe that when families are an integral part of a school program, children’s self-esteem and achievement are enhanced.

Based on years of research in the field of early care and education, The Creative Curriculum® provides guidance for setting up the learning environment, the teacher’s role, the family’s role, and childhood learning and development.

We monitor each child’s development and meet with families regularly to discuss their child’s progress. We recognize that each child develops and learns at their own pace, and we assess each child’s development individually.

Our greatest asset is our experienced and dedicated staff, some of whom have been with the Center since it opened in 1990. Many of our teachers hold either a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a post-secondary degree. All staff complete annual training on topics pertaining to early childhood care and education. 

We make it a priority to build strong, trusting relationships with families. Good communication between teachers and families is essential to the care we provide your children. It is our intention to build positive, effective relationships with all our families, beginning during enrollment and continuing to grow during your child’s time with us.

How long has the program been in business?
Our center has been in continuous operation since Feb. 14, 1990.

What are the hours of operation?
6:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Is the Center only open to MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital employees?
Yes. We are only able to wait list and enroll MaineHealth employee families at this time. If you are not a MaineHealth employee and need information on child care options, please visit ChildCareChoices.me.

Does the center keep a waiting list? Is there a fee to get on it?
Yes, we keep a waiting list. There is no fee to be placed on the waiting list.

How do I get on the waiting list or enroll my child?
Please email childcare@penbayhealthcare.org to inquire about openings and be added to our waiting list. 

What is the total number of children attending?
Between full- and part-time children, we have about 50 children enrolled.

How are the children divided into age groups?
The children are enrolled into four classrooms depending upon age.
Infants: 6 weeks to 15+ months
Toddler 1: 15 months to 2 or 2 ½ years 
Toddler 2: 2 to 3 years
Preschool 1: 3 to 4 years
Preschool 2: 4 to 5 years

What is the staff training and turnover rate?
Nearly all of our teachers have post-secondary degrees or have earned their Child Development Associate credential. All staff members are required to complete in-service training annually. 

What are the teacher-child ratio and group sizes?
Teacher – child ratios depend on the age of the children in the class.
Infants: 1:4, maximum 8 children
Toddler 1: 1:5, maximum 10 children 
Toddler 2: 1:5, maximum 5 children OR 1:7 maximum 7 children (if all are over age 2 1/2)
Preschool 1 & 2: 1:10, maximum 10 children each room

Do children need to be toilet trained before entering?
No. We will work with your family on this process.

Are snacks and meals provided?
No. Parents provide lunch and two snacks for their child.

Are there any restrictions on what we can pack for food?
We encourage healthy choices but ultimately, the decisions are yours. We only enforce restrictions if we have a child enrolled with very severe allergies that certain foods would pose a health risk if brought in.