What is the Children’s Center?

It is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a variety of high-quality services to children with disabilities.

Is it a childcare center?

Yes, we provide full-time childcare for children of all abilities ages six weeks to five years old at our location in Augusta. We offer specialized services for children identified with special needs at all locations.

How long has the Center been around?

The Children’s Center was established in 1966 and incorporated as the Mid-State United Cerebral Palsy, Inc. in 1967. In May 1991, we incorporated as the Children’s Center – Early Intervention and Family Support, Inc.

How is the agency organized? Governed?

The Children’s Center is governed by a Board of Directors, who hire and oversee an Executive Director.

What services do you provide?

Childcare, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Autism Program, Behavioral Support Program, Parent Education, Support Groups, and Targeted Case Management.

What is your service area?

Early intervention and family support in Franklin, Kennebec, and Somerset Counties.

What is the age range of the children the Center serves?

Birth to age 5 for early intervention. Birth through age 21 for family support.

What types of diagnoses do the children have?

Children have a range of diagnoses that involve developmental delays or mental health diagnoses, including Autism, Down’s Syndrome, adjustment disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Who refers children to the Center?

Pediatricians, Child Development Services (CDS), other providers in the community, parents, caregivers, and guardians. Referrals may be submitted here. 

What is early intervention (EI)?

Early Intervention refers to services provided to children ages birth to age 5 with developmental delays or mental health diagnoses.

What is case management?

Case management provides support for children with a developmental, behavioral, or mental health diagnosis, or who are at-risk for developing such diagnoses, through regular, in-home meetings with a Children’s Center Targeted Case Manager.

What kind of support is provided through case management?

The case manager and parent or caregiver complete an assessment of the child’s and family’s needs, develop an Individual Service Plan with specific goals and objectives, make referrals to needed services, collaborate with other providers, link the child and family to resources that might be helpful, and provide support to the family by listening and sharing information as well as by advocating on the child’s behalf when appropriate.

How many children do you serve?

Typically 100 children in Early Intervention and 150 children in Family Support per year.

How many staff does the agency employ?

60+

What funding sources does the agency have?

The Center operates on fees for services, Child Development Services, MaineCare, private insurance, parent or caregiver pay, United Ways of Kennebec Valley and Mid-Maine, state grants, private grants, and private donations (businesses, service clubs, and individuals).

What do your programs offer that makes you so special?

The Children’s Center:

• Has a 50-year history as a private non-profit organization that cares about all children.
• Has everything under one roof for early intervention or family support.
• Completely focuses on toddler and preschool-aged children.
• Has a great child to teacher ratio, with highly qualified staff.
• Is inclusive.
• Knows how to meet the needs of the most challenging children.
• Sets a strong foundation for future success.
• Is big enough to be professional and small enough to be personal.
• Is an alternative to large classrooms, federal programs, schools, or home-based child care.

Our staff members:

• Love and respect children for who they are.
• Communicate well with parents, so they always know what is going on with their child.
• Work together to evaluate each child’s needs, form a plan, and provide services that give each child an opportunity for success.

Parents & Caregivers can:

• Be proud that the child attends a high-quality program.
• Be confident that their child is safe and in good hands.
• Appreciate the caring staff, who also support them in their role as parents.

Every child will:

• Be valued and treated as a unique individual.
• Find a place here.
• Learn and grow and make progress.
• Gain empathy and compassion for others.
• Make friends of all abilities.