WATERVILLE — Teams of Kennebec Valley Community Action Program preschool staff and local district administrators were out in communities with information on their preschool programs on May 20 to kick off the busy enrollment season.
Goodie bags were handed out to families, hung on doorknobs and left at local businesses and libraries. Also included was information on KVCAP’s center-based and family child care options, which are open year-round.
“Our teams were excited to connect with families and businesses in their communities to promote our Head Start/Public Preschool partnerships with local school districts,” said Miriam Jacobs, KVCAP child and family services family engagement manager. “Their support is invaluable.”
She said the team was thrilled to have district administrators join in the messaging, like Mike Tracy, superintendent of Anson-based Regional School Unit 74, and principals from RSU 74, as well as Fairfield-based School Administrative Districts 49 and Skowhegan-based MSAD 54.
Skowhegan’s North Elementary School will increase preschool capacity to 144 for the upcoming school year, including students from Canaan and Norridgewock, which will offer KVCAP more opportunity to serve children in that area, Jacobs said.
Tracye Fortin, COO of KVCAP Child & Family Services and Educare Central Maine executive director, started the day off with words of appreciation and encouragement by speaking to staff, parents and administrators who initially gathered outdoors at the Fairfield park across from the elementary school.
“You are applauded for operating during a pandemic with numerous health and safety protocols, and for your creativity in instruction as you juggled virtual connections, continued family engagement, and strong team communication,” Fortin said. She said KVCAP looks forward to full enrollment beginning Sept. 1.
“Our strength is our partnerships in multiple settings,” Fortin said. “Our identity is as a partner, and we promote community programs. Your impact can change the trajectory of a child and their family for positive long term outcomes.”
Through partnerships with Newport-based RSU 19, as well as MSAD 49, MSAD 54 and RSU 74, and Waterville Public Schools, KVCAP offers preschool throughout central Maine at no cost to families.
