Early Head Start and Head Start: Enrollment and Career Opportunities

A Legacy of Nurturing and Empowerment

For six decades, Penquis Head Start has been a cornerstone of support for children and families in Maine. Since its establishment in 1965, the organization has provided high-quality early childhood education and essential services that help children and their families thrive. From nurturing classroom environments to school readiness programs, health and nutrition services, and vital resources for parents, Penquis has remained a trusted partner in the community.

This year, as Penquis celebrates its 60th anniversary, it continues to focus on its mission of empowering children and families—both now and for future generations. The organization is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, starting with a strong foundation in early education.

Expanding Opportunities for Families

To mark this milestone, Kelley Graffam, ERSEA Coordinator for Penquis Early Head Start and Head Start, recently spoke with WABI about the current enrollment opportunities and career prospects available within the programs. ERSEA stands for Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance, and Graffam serves as the first point of contact for families interested in enrolling their children.

“We offer high-quality Early Childhood Education in all our classrooms,” said Graffam. “From infants as young as six weeks to toddlers and preschoolers up to age five, our programs are designed to support each child’s unique development and prepare them for kindergarten success.”

Penquis offers several early education programs tailored to different age groups. The Early Head Start program supports infants as young as six weeks and toddlers up to age three. The Head Start program serves children ages three to five, while Pre-K partnerships focus on preparing four-year-olds for a successful start in kindergarten. All programs provide high-quality, nurturing classroom environments and are designed to meet each child’s individual developmental needs.

Comprehensive Support for Families

Beyond academic and educational services, enrolled children and their families benefit from a wide range of additional supports. These include health and dental screenings, developmental evaluations, nutrition education, and access to individualized services. Penquis also provides special services for children with unique needs, along with valuable parent support through trainings and workshops aimed at strengthening the home-school connection.

Currently, Penquis is accepting applications for Early Head Start, Head Start, and Child Care programs. Immediate openings are available in Bangor, East Millinocket (Pre-K partnership), Dover-Foxcroft, and Rockland. Child Care slots are also open in Bangor and Rockland.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility for Early Head Start and Head Start is based on various family circumstances, such as participation in TANF, SNAP, or SSI, foster care placement, or experiences with homelessness. However, Graffam emphasized that all families are encouraged to apply, regardless of their current situation. There are multiple ways a family may qualify, and no one should assume they are ineligible without exploring the options.

Families interested in applying can do so online by visiting www.penquis.org. Additional questions can be directed to the ERSEA team by emailing ERSEATeam@penquis.org, calling Kelley Graffam directly at 207-973-3567, or sending a text to 207-852-0783.

Opportunities for Educators

Penquis is also actively hiring and welcomes those who are passionate about working with young children. Employment opportunities are available for both full-time and part-time roles, and the organization offers regular On-Call Staff training throughout the year. For those interested in learning more about joining the Penquis team, contact Dale Lee at dlee@penquis.org or visit www.penquis.org to view current job openings.

A Continued Commitment to Community

As Penquis celebrates 60 years of dedication to children and families, the organization remains committed to its core values of compassion, education, and community. With ongoing enrollment and employment opportunities, Penquis continues to serve as a vital resource for Maine families, helping them grow, succeed, and build brighter futures together.