NMCC to Open New Childcare Center in Partnership With ACAP

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - A new childcare center is being developed at Northern Maine Community College, aimed at serving students, staff, and the wider community.

It’s a first-of-its-kind partnership between education and community support services in Aroostook County. Northern Maine Community College is opening a new childcare center on campus in collaboration with ACAP.

“Northern Maine Community College has been working with a number of donors to meet a huge need in our community, both for our students and for the region as well.” says NMCC President Doug Binsfeld.

The new center is being established at the north end of campus in Crowley Hall, named in honor of the college’s long time former president. The building is being fully renovated into a state-of-the-art childcare facility.

“It has three major areas: an infant room, a toddler room, and a slightly older child room.”

The center will be operated by ACAP, but will also provide real-world learning opportunities for NMCC students in the Early Childhood Education program.

“We’re going to be providing childcare in a brand new facility and provide an opportunity that gives our students some practical experience when it comes to childcare.” says Binsfeld.

And for ACAP, the collaboration means a chance to expand services while also investing in future educators.

“The students are going to have access to each of the classrooms and the different age groups and really watch it in real time to figure out if this is the field that they want to enter or continue in.” says Megan Barnes - ACAP Chief Program Officer.

The center is expected to be open to the broader community as well, once student and faculty needs are met.

“We’re prioritizing enrollment so that we can meet the needs within that facility, as well as opening up opportunities for the community.”

The project was the vision of former President Tim Crowley, and it’s being made possible by multiple donors with the goal of supporting families, supporting students, and building a stronger Aroostook County.

“It’s a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, brand new, with the potential for a beautiful playground for all of the children.”

The facility is expected to open within the next couple of months, pending renovation and furnishing.