Easton, ME – Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), the Town of Easton, and the Easton School Department are partnering to explore the development of a first-of-its-kind comprehensive community school concept in northern Maine at Easton Elementary School. This innovative initiative will bring together a full range of services to support families with children from six weeks through 12 years old, all under one roof.
The proposed community school concept aims to address the growing need for childcare and early education in Easton and surrounding areas. The plan includes the establishment of a dedicated space for ACAP’s infant and toddler childcare program in the Elementary School, which will serve children ages six weeks up to three years. Additionally, the partnership would provide after-school and school-break childcare services for children up to age 12.
“We’re excited about the potential of this project and what it will mean for families in Easton and beyond. It is similar model we have been discussing with school districts across Aroostook County and hope to implement in more communities that will partner with us this way and follow Easton’s lead.” said ACAP Executive Director/CEO Jason Parent. “This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate childcare needs but also provides a foundation for early education, creating a stronger and more supportive community for children and families,” added ACAP Chief Program Officer Megan Barnes.
At the February 3rd meeting the Easton School Board unanimously voted to approve Superintendent Lyons’s recommendation to move Pre-K from half-day to full-day beginning February 24, 2024 rather than waiting until Fall of 2025 which will also partner with ACAP’s Head Start program. This partnership will create a classroom for three- and four-year-olds, offering comprehensive services to meet the needs of both children and their families, including access to ACAP’s Family Coaching services that assist families with access to services to ensure basic needs are met and helps them with economic and social mobility.
“We are extremely optimistic that this collaborative effort will have a positive impact on our community, as well as on our dedicated faculty and staff. The services ACAP will provide, combined with the Easton School Department's and the Town of Easton outline an unwavering commitment to delivering a strong educational foundation, creating a powerful partnership that will benefit everyone in our community,” said Easton School Department Superintendent Richard Lyons. “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to further enhance the support systems we offer. Our Easton School Department working together with ACAP and the Town of Easton, we are confident that our students, faculty, and staff will thrive in an environment that fosters growth, learning, and success for all,” added Principal/Curriculum Director Erin Ireland.
This concept, inspired by a similar community school model being piloted downstate in Skowhegan, aims to integrate essential services into a single location. It was developed in response to a request from Easton Town Officials to ACAP late last year, asking for childcare solutions to support young families in the community. Recognizing the challenges of operating stand-alone childcare facilities in today’s fiscal and staffing climate, ACAP and Easton Municipal and School officials have worked together to develop a plan that could sustainably meet the community’s needs.
“It's fantastic to see a partnership like this coming together! The collaboration between ACAP, the Easton School Department, and the Town of Easton promises to make a significant positive impact on the community. By addressing the critical need for childcare, as well as bringing other valuable services offered by ACAP, this initiative stands to benefit numerous families and individuals. It truly is a wonderful opportunity to enhance support and resources for everyone involved,” said Easton Town Manager Cheryl Clark.
As the next step, the Easton School Board voted unanimously on February 3 to move forward with a community survey to assess the demand for childcare services. This survey will help determine the number of childcare slots that can be supported by the collaborative project and will allow the partners to refine the plan based on community input. The survey is available online, and residents are encouraged to participate. The results will be critical in shaping the next phase of planning for this transformative project.
Survey Information: The community survey is designed to gather input from Easton residents on their childcare needs for children ages six weeks to 12 years old. The survey will help determine interest in accessing childcare services within the community school setting and assess the number of slots needed for infant/toddler care and after-school services.
To participate in the survey, please visit the link below:
Childcare Questionnaire for Easton School District Families
The survey will be open until February 28, 2025, and all Easton residents are encouraged to share their input. Results will be presented at the Easton School Board meeting on March 12, 2025.
About Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP):
ACAP is a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and individuals across Aroostook County, Maine. The organization offers a range of services, including childcare, early education, and family support programs.
About the Town of Easton:
The Town of Easton is a rural community in Aroostook County, committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through strategic partnerships and community-focused initiatives.
About the Easton School Department:
The Easton School Department provides educational services to children in the Easton community, offering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
For more information, please contact:
Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP)
Rebecca Damon, Creative Content Specialist
207-551-4113
rdamon@acap-me.org
www.acap-me.org
Town of Easton
Cheryl Clark, Town Manager
207-488-6652
townmanager@eastonme.com
www.eastonme.com
Easton School Department
Richard Lyons, Superintendent Erin Ireland, Principal/Curriculum Coordinator
207-488-7700 207-488-7701
richard.lyons@eastonschools.org erin.ireland@eastonschools.org
www.eastonschools.org www.eastonschools.org
