Shunk Child Care

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Shunk Child Care

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Shunk Child Care is a nationally accredited child care located in Portland, Maine. As children, my brother and I would play school.

For if I can remember there was one passion in my life that everything else revolved around; becoming a teacher. I was in third grade and he in preschool. Naturally, I was always the teacher. I would teach my brother letters and numbers by writing them on my bedroom windows with markers. I even had an old-school desk where I would keep my “supplies.” As I got older, I loved going to the teacher stores and fantasizing about my future career. Eventually Ralph grew older and no longer would be my student, so I found new “students” at the local elementary school. Throughout high school I participated in Future Teachers of America. Every week I would spend a few afternoons volunteering in the classrooms. My senior year I was accepted at The University of Maine at Farmington. I was ecstatic to start my teaching education! After a semester, though my passion for teaching didn’t cool, my interest in attending UMF did. I missed my family and my boyfriend. I transferred to University of Southern Maine the following semester. USM did not offer an education degree so I opted for another interest of mine, accounting. A few years went by and I married, bought a house and had a great career start in the investments field; then I had my first child. After that, I decided to do what I always dreamed of and become a teacher. I hoped to have the best of both worlds, my career dream and stay home with my son. I enrolled at Andover in the late summer of 2003 and opened my family child care. With every class I took and every day working from home I knew I had made the right decision. I graduated in 2005, right before the birth of my second son. Fast forward to 2016 and I still couldn’t imagine a better career for me! I obtained national accreditation in 2007 and will be renewing this year for the third time. I now have 3 employees and 12 children every day. In 2015, Shunk Child Care, became the first in the State of Maine to obtain outdoor classroom certification through Nature Explore. Family child care is my calling and I am enjoying every moment of it. Thank you for your interest in Shunk Child Care. We look forward to providing your child with a caring and enriching environment.

10/06/2026

Today we introduced watercolors to the classroom! 🎨 Many of the children had never painted with watercolors before, so there was lots of excitement as they explored the materials and discovered how the colors blended and flowed across the paper.

Earlier this week, we read Tito Puente: The Mambo King. Today we listened to his music while we painted. The lively rhythms created a wonderful backdrop for creativity and artistic expression.

10/05/2026

Last week, the children picked purple flowers from our outdoor space, and we used the petals to create a special batch of homemade play dough. 🌼💜

The flower petals sparked lots of curiosity as children explored a familiar material in a new way. This child used the play dough to create a person, carefully adding details and sharing stories about their creation. Open-ended materials invite imagination, creativity, and meaningful conversations.

10/02/2026

A little sparkle and a lot of creativity ✨ Patterning, designing, and exploring in the sand table today. What’s in your sensory table right now?

#ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴘʟᴀʏ

08/28/2026

Well, that happened! 😊

What started as a position as a Pre-K Ed Tech quickly turned into something I wasn’t expecting. This week, I officially stepped into the role of Public School Pre-K Teacher with the YFO partnership program.

After 23 years of owning and operating Shunk Child Care, walking into a classroom that isn’t in my home feels a little surreal. But it also feels right. I still get to do what I love most, help young children learn through play, build relationships, explore, create, and grow.

This page has been the story of Shunk Child Care for many years. As one chapter closes and another begins, I’ll be sharing pieces of my new classroom life, preschool adventures, and maybe even a few appearances from Shunk Skunk along the way. 🦨

Thank you to all the families, children, colleagues, and friends who have been part of this journey. I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me. ❤️🍎

08/14/2026

That’s a wrap! After 23 years of family child care, Shunk Child Care has officially closed its doors. I’m grateful for the many children, families, and staff members who have been part of this incredible journey.

While I’m excited for a new chapter as a Special Education Ed Tech with Portland Public Schools and to continue my work as an MRTQ trainer, I wouldn’t trade the past 23 years for anything. I’m also looking forward to working fewer than 50 hours a week and having a space that’s separate from my work. 😊

In a few months, I’ll share updates as our childcare space is transformed. 🤩

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this adventure. Feel free to leave a comment and share your favorite Shunk Child Care memory! 🥰

04/30/2026

Portland - I have this loft for sale. Can deliver if needed (greater Portland area) it to you as well! If interested I can send you pictures of my actual loft. Asking $3000 OBRO

Encourage independent two through three year olds to climb to the top of their world. SAFE SPACE: Clear acrylic panels provide safe viewing for children and supervisorsCREATIVE SPACE: Design a dramatic play setting or reading nook under the deck...

11/03/2025

Opening available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays for a child age 3 or older (preferably with a birthdate between 10/15/2022 & 8/31/2023) at Shunk Child Care.

I’m a Rising Star Level 5 provider with over 20 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Our program offers a play-based curriculum with an emphasis on outdoor learning and exploration.

All meals, snacks, rain gear, sun shirts, and sun hats are provided. Email [email protected] to schedule a visit.

09/22/2025

Stacie’s program is amazing!! Highly recommend !

09/18/2025

Need childcare? I do not have any openings, but you can contact, Caroline Whitten of Children’s Cottage 207 799-3761. Call, she doesn’t use much social media.

South Portland infant and toddler care openings. A small group setting in a great area for children to play and explore. Experienced provider with excellent references.
Children need a good provider. I am looking to find families in need now.

08/13/2025

Hot summer sun, colorful blooms, giant trolls, and a rope bridge! Our day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was full of wonder.

Address

Portland, ME
04102

Telephone

+12073219846

Website

http://shunkchildcare.blog/

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