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.
We have two locations in Gorham, Maine. Our 3 Gorham Industrial Parkway location houses our older students to include two Preschool Classrooms (3-4 year olds), 2 Public Pre-K Classrooms (4-5 year olds), and 2 Private Pre-K Classrooms (4-5 year olds). Our 11 South Gorham Crossing location houses our younger students ages 6 weeks old to 3 years old.
What does it mean to be a Non-Profit Center?
We are a 501c3 Non-Profit Childcare Center, which means that every dollar earned is given back to staff, programming and buildings/grounds maintenance. We are governed by a Board of Directors and a set of By-Laws.
The mission of Seedlings to Sunflowers is to encourage each child in all areas of development. We believe that every child presented with the opportunity to belong, develop independence, to cultivate generosity and to master skills will develop a healthy sense of self, which will enhance their ability to succeed academically and socially.
Seedlings to Sunflowers is a learning center built to nurture and support the development of children and our community. Inspired by a systems theory approach, we believe that schools and childcare centers have an opportunity to strengthen connections between families and educators and that these building blocks will in turn create a stronger community for all of us.
Inspired by the Experiential Learning Model (ELM), we have designed a curriculum enriched by developmentally appropriate materials and activities. Hands-on projects and learning centers engage children who are tactile or kinesthetic learners and who need movement to learn best. This learning model also engages students who are auditory learners, who talk about what they’re doing, and visual learners, who have the opportunity to see what everyone else is creating. This approach acknowledges that children learn best when the reality they are experiencing is used as the primary teaching tool.
Kindergarten readiness in our center is defined by developing social, emotional and academic skills needed to enter into primary school. We believe that when children are able to better manage the social and emotional world that their academic success will be more easily obtained. With this in mind, we take every opportunity offered to reflect on and label feelings, model appropriate behavior, support problem solving in social interactions and help develop an understanding of social and community expectations.
With this foundation, children become capable learners and stewards of their community.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
Seedlings to Sunflowers does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability, race, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, or national origin in admission to, access to, or operation of its services, programs, or activities.
