Head Start - Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation

08/31/2026

On August 31, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson stood in the White House Rose Garden and announced the extension of Head Start.

What started as a summer pilot — one that enrolled more than 561,000 children in its first year — was expanded into year-round centers for children aged 3 and older, with continued summer programming and follow-through services like home visits and field trips for families.

Sixty-one years later, that commitment is still being honored by the hundreds of thousands of Head Start staff who show up every day for children and families across the country.

Check out stories from people across the Head Start community whose lives have been touched by the program, from 1965 to the present: https://viewer.mapme.com/661a3205-6e05-41e7-a6a9-5c505969c3be

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Room 4 has been hard at work in the garden this summer! 🌽

The kids planted their own corn, watched it grow, and got to pick it right off the stalk when it was ready. From there, they learned all about the parts of the corn plant, the husk, the silk, the ear, and the kernels, before diving into a hands on activity cutting the kernels off the cob to get it ready for the table.

It's such a great way for kids to see where their food really comes from, and they had so much fun doing it!

What's growing in your garden this summer? 👇

08/22/2026

Lots of family came out to celebrate our kindergarten bound kiddos this week! 🎓

We have 7 kiddos heading off to kindergarten this fall, and we sent them off in style. Families enjoyed snacks together while the kids received personalized shirts, certificates, flowers, and backpacks full of school supplies to start the year ready to go.

So much love and support from Kara, Marilee, Kiersten, Denise, and our preschool teachers in making this celebration special. These kids have grown so much, and we are so proud of them. 💛

Congratulations to our kindergarten class of 2026! 🚌✏️

Are you looking for a high-quality education experience for your preschooler?

We are now taking applications for the 2026-27 school year. We have centers in Augusta and Gardiner for 3 to 5yr olds. We have a Pre-K collaboration in Chelsea for 4yr olds.

Questions about eligibility or child care subsidies? Give our Enrollment Manager a call 207-582-3110 ext 111, email us [email protected], or start a pre-application online at https://www.skcdc.org/pre-application-notice/.

Join our SKCDC family...you belong here! All eligible SKCDC sites hold level 5 Rising Stars for ME certificates from DHHS.

08/19/2026

🎒 What a great weekend at the 10th Annual Greater Augusta Back to School Event at the Augusta Civic Center!

Denise, Stephanie, and Meegan were there among the crowd, and it was wonderful running into some current SKCDC families and alumni picking out their backpacks for the year! 💚

A huge thank you to the Greater Augusta Area Back To School Program for donating 20 backpacks to SKCDC families. This event has grown so much over the past decade, and it's amazing to be part of a community that shows up for kids in such a big way.

Were you at the Back to School event this weekend? Tell us in the comments! 👇

08/15/2026

🎒 Our Backpack Giveaway is TOMORROW... and we’re celebrating 10 YEARS! 🎉

Can you believe it?! This is the 10th year of the Back to School Program, and we’re getting ready for another afternoon of backpacks, books, activities, community, and fun!

But first... let’s get the logistics out of the way!

📍 Augusta Civic Center
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM

We have a different setup this year! You’ll enter on the University of Maine at Augusta side of the Civic Center. If you’re standing in front of the main entrance looking at the building, head around to the left side. We’ll have signs and volunteers there to help you find your way!

And remember, there’s a lot more happening than just backpacks. We’ll have vendors, activities, books, resources, and more to explore while you’re there.

Kids need to be present to receive a backpack. If you’re unable to attend, we’ll also be collecting backpacks to send to area schools for distribution.

Still looking to volunteer? We’d love to have you! Reach out and we’ll get you connected.

Still want to donate? There’s still time! Visit gabtsp.org to support the Back to School Program.

We can’t wait to celebrate 10 years of the Back to School Program with you tomorrow!

And because it’s our 10th year, we have to ask...

🍕 Would you rather have 10 pizza days or 10 snow days this school year? ❄️

08/14/2026

🌱 Gardiner's gotta garden at Gardiner Center! 🌱

Our Gardiner Early Head Start friends spent some sunshine-filled time in the garden this week, and they took their harvesting duties very seriously! Green beans, tomatoes, and even a cucumber were picked with the biggest smiles.

Of course, no harvest is complete without a little taste testing along the way. 🍅 Fresh-from-the-vine snacks might just be the best kind!

There's something so special about watching little ones connect with where their food comes from, dirt-covered hands and all. 💚

Our Gardiner Center provides Head Start Preschool and subsidized childcare for
children ages 3-5.

We also have an Early Head Start classroom for children ages 6 weeks - 3yrs old.

To learn more about our Gardiner Center or other SKCDC centers, and child
care subsidies, contact our Enrollment Manager at 207-582-3110 ext. 111 or visit our website at www.skcdc.org

Join our SKCDC family...you belong here! All eligible SKCDC sites hold level 5
Rising Stars for ME certificates from DHHS.

What's your favorite thing to grow in your garden? Tell us in the comments!

08/13/2026

Big thanks to everyone who shopped at Hannaford this summer! 💚

Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation was chosen as a recipient in the Hannaford Community Bag Program for July, and every reusable bag purchased helped support the work we do for children and families right here in our community.

We're so grateful for partners like Hannaford who make it possible to keep growing our impact. Thank you for shopping with purpose!

Did you pick up a Hannaford Community Bag this summer? Let us know in the comments! 👇