Penobscot Bay Medical Center
Creative Learning and Childcare Center
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?
7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Does the center keep a waiting list? Is there a fee to get on it?
Yes, we keep a waiting list. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit to go on our waiting list. Once a space becomes available for your child, the fee is applied to your tuition. The waiting list deposit is waived for Pen Bay Healthcare employees.
How do I get on the waiting list or enroll my child?
Please give us a call at 596-8700 to set up an appointment for a tour and an overview of our policies. If you decide this is the program for your child, we will add your name to the waiting list upon receipt of the $50 waiting list deposit. When a class has a vacancy, we contact the next family on the waiting list. A $250 non-refundable security deposit is required to guarantee enrollment for new students. This deposit is also applied to your tuition.
Are there vacancies?
The center has a waiting list for all age groups. Typically, the waiting list is longer for infants and toddlers than for preschool children. Vacancies are filled from our waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to Pen Bay Healthcare employees.
What is the total number of children attending?
Between full and part-time children, we have about 65 children enrolled.
How are the children divided into age groups?
The children are divided into four classrooms depending upon age.
Precious Bundles (infants) ages 6 weeks to 12 – 15 months
Busy Bees (toddlers) ages 12 months to 2½ years old
Curious Corner (young preschoolers) ages 2½ years to 3½ years old
Magic Moments (older preschoolers) ages 3½ years to pre-k age 5
View our weekly lesson plans
What is the staff training and turnover rate?
All of our teachers have post-secondary training and / or degrees in Early Childhood Education and are required to complete inservice training annually. Seven of our staff members have been here since the center opened 17 years ago. The average tenure of our staff is 11 years.
Are there any pets?
No.
What is the general philosophy of the program?
Children are not just smaller versions of our adult selves. They are unique thinkers, incorporating a logic all their own. To introduce them to new opportunities and skills, the staff use a gentle, enthusiastic, personalized approach. Teachers provide a predictable daily schedule which include play periods, quiet time, snacks, lunch, and circle time. Monthly themes, weekly lesson plans and daily schedules are posted in each classroom.
What are the teacher-child ratio and group sizes?
Teacher – child ratios depend on the age of the children in the class.
Precious Bundles (infants) 1:4, maximum 8 babies
Busy Bees (toddlers) 1:5, maximum 10 toddlers
Curious Corner (young preschoolers) 1:7, maximum 14 children
Magic Moments (older preschoolers) 1:10, maximum 20 children
Do children need to be toilet trained before entering?
No.
Are snacks and meals provided?
No. Parents provide lunch and two snacks for their child. The center provides milk and juice. We are a peanut-free facility.
What do I bring each day?
In addition to lunch and snacks, parents bring a couple changes of clothes, a small blanket and stuffed animal for quiet time, diapers / wipes / ointments (if applicable). Bottles, formula and / or breast milk, and baby food for infants. Please see the detailed list in the childcare center's online program overview.
Can I come visit my child during the day?
Our visitation policies are wide open. We welcome and encourage parent participation. There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer with classroom projects, fundraising events or special celebrations.
Updated: 6/16/08