About the Children's Center
The Bowdoin College Children's Center was founded in the fall of 1988 in response to the strong need for a high-quality early childhood program for children of faculty, staff, and residents of surrounding communities. The non-profit center is licensed by the Maine Department of Human Services, and is nationally accredited, validated every five years by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Innovative programs offer families a stimulating environment for infant, younger and older toddler and preschool children. Special attention to adult-child ratios, small group sizes, thoughtfully designed classrooms, and caregivers with specialized training characterize the programs offered by the Children's Center.
Philosophy
We believe positive experiences in the early years of a child's life form the foundation for a rewarding, productive, and healthy future. At the center each child is recognized and supported as a unique individual whose growth is nurtured through active learning in the areas of social, emotional, cognitive, affective, and physical development. By experiencing success and satisfaction, children learn to accept and enjoy themselves and enhance their own capabilities.
Our caregivers act as facilitators, providing children with a wide range of materials and activities to explore, discover, and question. We believe open communication with parents has a major influence on the quality of the child's overall experience. We encourage and welcome parent involvement in all center activities.
We welcome a visit from you.