Welcome
Seedlings to Sunflowers is a high-quality non-profit school with a unique and progressive approach to early education and child development. As a childcare and family center we are available to all members of the family and act as catalyst to community building. We believe in a holistic approach to child development incorporating academics, physical and nutritional wellness and play. We foster the belief that every child presented with the opportunity to belong, develop independence, cultivate generosity and master skills will develop a healthy sense of self and that their ability to succeed academically will be enhanced.
“If we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with children.”
-MAHATMA GHANDI
Why Choose Us?
Our Directors and Co-founders collectively have experience in Behavioral Health, Early Childhood Education and Nutrition & Culinary Arts. Combined, our teachers have associates, bachelors and masters degrees and years of experience in childcare and education.
Our Garden Program Coordinator and teachers engage our students year round with gardening and nature-based activities. Children are involved with planting, nurturing, and harvesting, vegetables, flowers, and fruit from seed to full plant.
HEALTHY FOOD PROGRAM
We serve breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks comprised of a variety of healthy foods. We incorporate fresh, local ingredients sourced from Bumbleroot Organic Farm and Native Maine. We teach the importance of healthy eating and educate children about sustainable food practices.
The emotional development and well-being of our students is of utmost importance to us. We utilize evidence-based and practically designed social-emotional and classroom management modalities: Conscious Discipline® & Zones of Regulation®.
Developed by David Kolb and informed by Piaget, ELM recognizes that knowledge is continuously gained through both personal and environmental experiences. We have designed a curriculum enriched by developmentally appropriate materials and activities that engages students using hands-on projects and learning centers.
Through the implementation of Handwriting Without Tears®, Pre-K for ME, and Zones of regulation™, students will develop social, emotional, and academic skills in preparation for primary school. They will have the opportunity to explore and learn language arts, reading, writing, science, math and art.
Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves and their interactions with others. Throughout the school year, our students explore over 10 countries around the world.
Cultivating community is a cornerstone at Seedlings to Sunflowers. We are of the belief that it truly takes a village. From our community events, to our family and staff meal-train, partnerships with local businesses, and focus on open communication; we are always finding ways to support and care for our students, families, employees, and greater community.
We are a 501c3 Non-Profit Childcare Center, which means that every dollar earned is given back to staff, programming and improving upon our building and outdoor areas. We are governed by a Board of Directors and a set of By-Laws.
What Families Are Saying
“My son has been attending S2S for almost two years now starting in Nursery 1. I love everything about their approach to working with the kids, what they have to offer for education, activities, nourishment, staff, support and so much more.The whole S2S staff is phenomenal and it is clear from the start that they are all in this for the children and it’s not just a job to them. Their communication is great and they doing a phenomenal job as keeping you informed on their goals, events happening in the community, how to participate in supporting other families and what they have planned for upcoming months ahead. The building is safe, clean and the food program is amazing. I am beyond grateful to be part of their community and that my son is able to attend.”
“Seeding to Sunflowers is a great family community and supports their families in anyway they can. Our baby is almost 2 and has been with them since she was 3 months old. She loves her caretakers and the leaders of the center. We feel so blessed to be a part of this community but most importantly we feel safe and secure with our child attending.”
“Seedlings is such a great childcare facility in Gorham! The teachers are professional, the classrooms are clean and neat, the kids play outside every day and get to garden. They have been great at daily communication as well. I love the app they use to show updates of your kids in the moment and upload pictures as well- always look forward to the updates each day around noon time!”
