Portside Learning Center

08/24/2026

GROWING BETTER MEANS A FEW RARE OPENINGS AT PORTSIDE. 🌿

For most of the year, the question we hear is, “Do you have any openings?” And most of the time, the answer is no.

But Portside has grown better.

We’ve added thoughtfully designed, intentional classrooms that allow us to meet children where they are developmentally—not simply where their age says they should be.

More space. Smaller developmental groupings. More opportunities for children to have the time they need before they are expected to move on to what comes next.

Growing Better, Not Bigger has never been just about adding space. It’s about creating a better way to serve children.

And as we look ahead to September and December, that growth means something we don't often get to announce:

A few rare openings for new Portside families.

OPEN HOUSE • MONDAY • 4:45–5:45 PM

We anticipate openings in:

Infant
Early Toddler
Toddler
Bridge Classroom
Preschool — 1st years and Kprep Programs
Enrolling in Portside Camp Experience 2027

But we're not simply looking to fill spaces.We're looking for the right fit.

Families who believe, as we do, that childhood shouldn't be rushed. That development isn't a race. That children deserve time, nature, strong relationships, meaningful learning and adults who know them well enough to meet them where they are.

And we want Portside to feel like the right fit for your family, too.

For 40 years, that's what Portside has been about.

If you've wondered about Portside, come through our doors. Meet our teachers. Explore our classrooms. See our outdoor spaces. Ask questions.

08/19/2026

These are the moments you build a life on. And, in many ways, they’re the moments you build a school on. ❤️

Today was Ms. Amanda’s first day back at Portside after maternity leave—and she didn’t come back alone.

Sweet Eden had her very own first day in our Baby Room. 🥹

There is something incredibly special about watching the people who have poured so much of themselves into Portside begin new chapters of their own lives—and then choose Portside for their children, too.

This is what defines us.

Families grow here. Teachers grow here. Babies become preschoolers. Preschoolers become big kids. And through all of those seasons, relationships deepen and our Portside family keeps growing right alongside them.

Some things are hard to explain unless you’ve experienced them. But once you have, you understand why people hold onto them so tightly. Why they stay. Why they come back. Why they bring their babies with them. This is one of those things.

As we get ready to begin another preschool year, this feels like the perfect reminder of what we have always believed: the strongest early childhood education is built on relationships, trust, and people who truly believe in what we are doing together.

Welcome to Portside, sweet Eden. 💕

And welcome back, Ms. Amanda.

We have missed you so much. It feels really good to have you home. ❤️

07/21/2026

Calling All Portside Alumni! 💙

Some of our favorite moments each summer are seeing former Portside children run back through the gates—now taller than their teachers, with new interests and bigger dreams, but still carrying those same familiar smiles.

It reminds us that while children may outgrow our classrooms, they never outgrow being part of the Portside family.

Once a Portside family, always a Portside family.

We would love to invite all of our alumni families to join us for our annual Portside Alumni Aquaboggan Night!

🌊 Thursday, July 23
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Aquaboggan Water Park, S**o

Come spend the evening reconnecting with old friends, teachers, and families who have been part of your journey. Whether it’s been one year or twenty since your time at Portside, there will always be a place for you here.

We can’t wait to catch up, share hugs, laugh together, and watch another generation of Portside children make summer memories.

We’ll see you at Aquaboggan! 💙

06/19/2026

Today, we celebrated something truly special—the graduation of Portside’s 40th graduating class, the Class of 2026.

One of the most unique and intentional aspects of Portside’s program is our two-year journey. Our graduates didn’t just complete a year at Portside—they spent two years growing, learning, exploring, problem-solving, building friendships, and developing confidence in our multi-age environment.

As they leave Portside to become our newest “All-Stars” and join the Portside Camp Experience, we celebrate all they have accomplished and the leaders they have become. We have watched them gain independence, resilience, compassion, and a genuine love of learning. They are ready for their next adventure, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Today is also a meaningful milestone for our first-year students. After spending the year learning alongside older peers, they are now ready to step into new leadership roles of their own. In the fall, they will become Portside’s Kindergarten Prep class—the role models, helpers, and leaders of our school community. It is incredible to see them already beginning to flex all they have learned through observation, experience, and participation in our multi-age classrooms.

This is the beauty of the Portside journey: one group graduates and spreads its wings while another group rises to lead.

Congratulations to the Portside Learning Center Class of 2026. Thank you for being part of our story and our 40-year legacy. We can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next. 💙

40YearsOfPortside

06/19/2026

Today was a special day for our graduates. 💙

Each child added their handprint beside their name and then proudly signed out on camera. It was a simple activity, but one filled with so much meaning.

As we watched each child leave their mark, we couldn’t help but think about all the ways they’ve grown during their time at Portside—building friendships, gaining confidence, exploring the world around them, and becoming the incredible people they are today.

We are so proud of every one of them and grateful to have been part of their journey. Wishing our graduates all the best as they head off to their next adventure. 🎓

06/19/2026

We asked our graduates one simple question:

💙 “What did you like most about Portside?”

Their answers say it all.

From forest adventures and muddy boots to friendships, favorite teachers, and endless opportunities to explore, these children have spent their early years learning, growing, and discovering who they are.

As they prepare for their next chapter, we’re reminded that the most meaningful parts of early childhood aren’t found in worksheets or tests—they’re found in the moments that make children feel connected, capable, and joyful.

To our graduates: thank you for filling our halls, trails, and classrooms with laughter, curiosity, and wonder. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next.

Once a Portside Kid, always a Portside Kid🎓

FutureKindergarteners

05/30/2026

Sneak Peek! Something Extraordinary Is Taking Shape at Portside

For weeks, children have been creating, teachers have been painting, and auction pieces have been quietly taking shape behind the scenes.

In just a few days, it will all be revealed.

Next Wednesday, June 3, our Portside community will come together for an evening celebrating creativity, childhood wonder, and the incredible work of our children and teachers.

More than 700 masterpieces created by Portside children

The debut of The Portside Collection — one-of-a-kind furniture and keepsake pieces created through collaboration, creativity, and hundreds of little hands, fill those bid sheets!

🎤 Our first-ever LIVE AUCTION featuring our very own Ms. Karina as Auctioneer and Mr. Eric as Portside's official "Vanna White", with special pieces and experiences.

What could possibly happen when you hand a microphone to Ms. Karina and put Mr. Eric in charge of showcasing auction items?

✨ Join us Wednesday night and find out. ✨

Every bid helps support an incredible opportunity: sending Portside teachers to the NAEYC National Conference in Washington, D.C. this December.

📍 1364 Washington Avenue (just 2 miles from Portside). Enter through the front door of the North Deering Congregational Church and head downstairs, look for the Art Show signs.

Art Show & Silent Auction: 5:30–7:00 PM

Live Auction Begins: 7:00 PM

We can't wait to celebrate with you and have you see all your children have been doing.

05/24/2026

Give them a call and book early !

It’s finally (Maine) spring, time to pick up the brush again. Reach out today to get a quote!

05/20/2026

🌿 We’re Hiring at Portside Learning Center! 🌿

We’re growing—and looking for the right people to grow with us.

Portside Learning Center is hiring:
✨ Team Toddler Teacher
✨ Team Early Preschool Teacher

This isn’t just a job. It’s a place where:
✔️ Your team shows up for you on the hard days
✔️ You’re supported, respected, and valued
✔️ You’re part of a true work family
✔️ You get to spend your days outside, in all seasons, with incredible children

For over 40 years, Portside has built a community where children, families, and educators thrive—and our parent community is something really special.

💛 We’re looking for someone who:

Loves to have fun
Is team-oriented and positive
Brings a “can-do” attitude
Wants to be part of something meaningful

💰 $19–$23/hour (depending on experience)
📍 Portland, Maine

✨ Benefits include:

Medical & Dental
Paid Holidays, Vacation & Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid training & ongoing professional development

No perfect resume required—we’re willing to train the right person.

If you’ve been looking for a place where you’re truly supported… this might be it.

📩 Message us, email us [email protected] or call us at 207-712-6055 to learn more!

05/20/2026

 I can’t wait to hear from you

Team Toddler Teacher

Portside Learning Center is seeking a dedicated Team Toddler Teacher to join our collaborative, nature-based early childhood education program. This role is ideal for someone who is warm, responsive, and grounded in developmentally appropriate practice with toddlers.

At Portside, we believe in learning through connection, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our team works together to create a calm, respectful environment where toddlers can grow with confidence and curiosity.

What You’ll Do
Help plan and implement daily curriculum activities using The Creative Curriculum, aligned with the Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines. Create a warm, structured, and engaging environment that supports toddlers’ social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Model best practices in positive guidance, language development, and child-led play. Build strong relationships with families through ongoing, professional communication. Mentor supporting staff to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching practices.

Maintain a consistent schedule within our operating hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:45pm

Collaborate with your team to support daily routines and classroom flow. Participate in daily outdoor learning experiences in all seasons
What We’re Looking For Someone who loves to have fun and brings positive energy to the classroom.
A strong team player looking for a true work family that supports one another. A “can-do” attitude—we are willing to train the right person. Someone who understands that while some days are hard, we show up and support each other. Commitment to professionalism and building strong relationships with families
Our parent community is truly special—we value educators who embrace that connection. Willing and able to complete a federal background check.

Benefits
Medical & Dental Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid Training & Ongoing Professional Development