Belfast Area Child Care Services

• Year-round early care and education for children 6 weeks to 5 years Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 5 PM
• Four age groups in fully inclusive mainstream classrooms
• Handicap accessible building and facilities
• Serves nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack, sponsored in part by the USDA Child Care Food Program

Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum, as well as the Maine Early Learning Guidelines, guide curriculum in the areas of literacy, math, science, arts, social studies, practical life, and technology. Teachers actively engage each child in exploring, experimenting, problem-solving, being creative, and constructing meaning in interest areas, including blocks, dramatic play, creative arts, reading, sand and water, music and movement, games, and the outdoors.

Children are offered a combination of teacher-directed large and small group activities as well as ample opportunities for self-directed exploration, building on experiences absorbed at their own rate. In these ways, children develop fine and gross motor abilities, sensory and cognitive skills, social and emotional awareness, and important self-help skills.

Children are the heart and soul of the Children’s Center. We work to foster independence, autonomy, and trust. Children are encouraged to expand their capabilities, internalize limits, make decisions, and understand the consequences of their actions. We understand and value individual differences such as temperament, interests, learning styles, and life experiences when responding to children.

Family Partnerships

Our message to families is that you are always welcome here, and we can learn from you. You are entitled to know what is happening in the program, and we will share in the care of your child. All classroom teachers welcome parent visits to the classroom at any time. We invite you to join your child at mealtime. These visits are very special and can give you an idea of his or her daily routine, activities, friends, and life here at the Center.

Who We Are

Miranda Riley – Director

Miranda has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2006, when she began gaining hands-on experience while earning her first degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the years, she has worked in both childcare centers and public preschool classrooms, always driven by a deep passion for supporting young children during their most important years of growth and development. Miranda also holds a second degree in Psychology, with a focus on developmental psychology and the psychology of learning. As a mother of three, she brings both professional knowledge and real-life perspective to her work, believing strongly in the power of early experiences to shape lifelong learning.

Tanya has over 25 years of experience at Belfast Area Children’s Center. She enjoys spending time with her 7 grandchildren and is interested in psychology.

Ashlee – Kitchen Manager

Ashlee (Ash) started working at BACC as the Cook in fall 2023. Although this is her
first time working at a childcare facility, she has been in food service for 12+ years. She has 10 years of Restaurant Management experience, along with being a Paleo Personal Chef and Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Focusing on quality ingredients, she always makes sure children with dietary restrictions and food sensitivities have what they need to enjoy meals with everyone. Ash enjoys hiking, playing video games, traveling, and living a vibrant life.

Angela – Blue Room

Angela has more than 23 years of childcare experience and has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has trained in Jiu-Jitsu and is almost a black belt in the art.

Sarah – Blue Room

Sarah has had more than 25 years of experience in childcare, all of which have been at Belfast Area Children’s Center. She has many years of experience riding horses and has owned goats, a donkey, and horses throughout her life.

Sam – Float (Blue & Toddler)

Sam has more than 5 years of experience in childcare in a variety of settings, including Montessori and nature-based programs. They graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, with a Bachelors in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a double minor in Education Studies and Religious Studies. They love spending time outside hiking, kayaking, camping, and swimming. Their two main obsessions are birds and bugs, which they love to photograph. Their pronouns are they/them.

Laticia – Vanilla Room

Laticia has 5 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Thomas College. Her hobbies include fishing, hunting, shopping, and spending time with family.

Erin – Vanilla Room

Erin has over three years of experience caring for children in Early Childhood Education. She received her cosmetology license before realizing her passion was caring for children. She is currently attending Eastern Maine Community College for Special Education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cat, dogs, and family

Kyra – Float (Vanilla & Infant)

Kyra has over 2 years’ experience working with children through volunteer and mentorship opportunities, and is excited to continue her education with a bachelor’s degree starting this fall.
In her free time, she likes to hike, swim, and stay involved in the community.

Kenzie – Toddler Room

Kenzie has more than 4 years of experience in childcare. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennebec Valley Community College. She enjoys spending time with her 1-year-old daughter and spending time with her family.

Destiny – Toddler Room

Destiny has over 4 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is currently studying at Kennebec Valley Community College for her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, spending time with her dog, reading, and thrift shopping.

Natalie – Infant Room

Natalie has more than 5 years of experience caring for children of all ages. She attended KVCC and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting and spending time with her cats and dog.

Lilly – Infant Room

Lilly has over 6 years of experience working in early childhood education. She graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, dogs, and cats.

Anne – Substitute

Anne has more than 35 years of childcare experience working in the infant, toddler, and vanilla rooms at Belfast Area Children’s Center. She has an interest in moral development, brain development, and non-neurotypical development. She enjoys gardening, swimming, hiking, and carpentry. Her favorite place is under waterfalls or in pools. Something interesting about Anne is that she once had a job in a wildlife refuge in Peru and had a pet baby giant anteater.

Rebecca – Substitute

Rebecca has over 39 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, childcare, and in elementary schools. She has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has an interest in occupational therapy and sensory integration. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, walking, and spending time in the natural world. Her favorite place is Flagstaff Lake and the river near her home.

Micah – Substitute

Micah has over four years of experience working with children of all ages through volunteer work and mentoring on school buses. She has a degree in Psychology from KVCC, with a specific focus on becoming a professional counselor who specializes in working with children. In her free time, Micah enjoys singing, playing the piano, going to the gym, and spending time with her family.

Contact Us

Belfast Area Child Care Services
1025 Waterville Rd.
Waldo, ME 04915
Phone: (207) 342-5535
FAX: (207) 342- 2124
baccdirector@childcareinbelfast.org