Our Background
Our Background
Bringing affordable childcare
to the Rangeley region
The desire to open a child care center in Rangeley was sparked by a dear friend and champion of the Rangeley Community, Beth Brunswick. Before her passing in 2022, she expressed a desire to see the creation of a full-service child development center to serve the region’s demand.
Currently there are fewer than 20 early child care slots available, and approximately 50 children under the age of 5 (this does not include surrounding towns, from which employees commute into Rangeley for work). None of the existing programs currently accept Maine state child care subsidies (CCSP) that make childcare significantly more affordable for working families. Class size for the youngest children in the Rangeley school system has been growing steadily since the pandemic produced an increased population in town, which was coupled with the implementation of reliable broadband service, enabling parents to live and work remotely.
Two surveys were recently conducted, one in 2021 and another in 2022. Results were consistent; 83% of respondents stated they would enroll their children if new, licensed childcare options were available and affordable, with 87% stating they would accept state funding. Respondents clearly declared their main reason for wanting childcare was for “employment outside the home”.
The impact of a new childcare center
- Provide the community an affordable childcare solution by accepting state childcare subsidy funding (none of the small, home childcare providers currently accept Maine CCSP funds)
- Prepare the region’s children for their K-12 educational journey (school readiness)
- Add well-paying jobs for Rangeley area residents within the childcare center itself
- Enhance economic development in the Rangeley region by expanding the workforce
- Attract seasonal workers back to the Rangeley area
- Increase employment opportunities for parents in the region who want to enter the workforce or expand their employment hours
- Support existing local businesses whose hours are currently curbed due to lack of labor
- Assure steady labor force for 4 season employers, which will bring additional tourism dollars and population/tax base to the area
The construction of a purpose-built childcare center in Rangeley will have a transformative impact on the region for generations.
Meet Our Board Members
Michelle was a teacher at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, where she dedicated 21 years to teaching. Her commitment to early childhood education helped her achieve the title of Franklin County Teacher of the Year in 2021. Michelle holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. Michelle has advocated for educational initiatives throughout her 23 years in the community. She played a pivotal role in establishing Healthy Beginnings, the inaugural daycare center at Rangeley Health Center, and spearheaded the launch of the Public Pre-K program at Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Currently, Michelle actively contributes to her community as a member of the Rangeley Rotary, The Beth Brunswick Memorial for Children and serves on the Parks and Recreation board for the town of Rangeley.
Ellen is an Oquossoc resident and lover of Rangeley, whose inspiration for this project was ignited by Beth Brunswick’s passion to solve the childcare shortage. Ellen is motivated to answer this call to support the community’s need. Ellen also serves on the Executive Committee of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and The Nature Conservancy Maine Chapter.
a Rangeley Resident, Leeanna retired in 2022 after 41 years in Management with Franklin Savings Bank. She has worked for almost 30 years on grass root community projects that have brought necessary services to Rangeley. Leeanna was previously the Board Chair at Rangeley Health and Wellness. She has also served on the board of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
Michelle was a teacher at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, where she dedicated 21 years to teaching. Her commitment to early childhood education helped her achieve the title of Franklin County Teacher of the Year in 2021. Michelle holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. Michelle has advocated for educational initiatives throughout her 23 years in the community. She played a pivotal role in establishing Healthy Beginnings, the inaugural daycare center at Rangeley Health Center, and spearheaded the launch of the Public Pre-K program at Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Currently, Michelle actively contributes to her community as a member of the Rangeley Rotary, The Beth Brunswick Memorial for Children and serves on the Parks and Recreation board for the town of Rangeley.
Ellen is an Oquossoc resident and lover of Rangeley, whose inspiration for this project was ignited by Beth Brunswick’s passion to solve the childcare shortage. Ellen is motivated to answer this call to support the community’s need. Ellen also serves on the Executive Committee of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and The Nature Conservancy Maine Chapter.
a Rangeley Resident, Leeanna retired in 2022 after 41 years in Management with Franklin Savings Bank. She has worked for almost 30 years on grass root community projects that have brought necessary services to Rangeley. Leeanna was previously the Board Chair at Rangeley Health and Wellness. She has also served on the board of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
Julie is General Manager Product Development at Rosenbluth Vacations. Most importantly, Julie is Beth Brunswick’s sister and dedicated to fulfilling Beth’s dream to provide programming for the children in the Rangeley region.
Frequently Asked Questions.
The center its being built to accommodate 48 pre-school children. Each age group will be in a different classroom, with a student: teacher ratio consistent with Maine state law.
We also will have an extra classroom that can accommodate up to 26 children for additional programs such as before/after school, pre-k wraparound, or special uses. k wraparound, or special uses.
We are working out the pricing, but plan to be competitive with similar Maine childcare centers. Of great importance is the availability of the Maine Child Care Subsidy Program. This “scholarship” allows qualifying families to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Our director will facilitate the applications to ease the burden on families. Everything will be strictly confidential.
We plan to operate 52 weeks a year, ten hours per day.
The site is adjacent to the Rangeley Lakes Regional School, and the parking lots will be connected by both a driveway and a footpath. The entrance is off of Loon Lake Road.
This depends on funding. We hope to be open summer 2025, but it all depends on the grants that we have applied for, and the donations we receive.
This is a learning-based child development center with carefully chosen curriculum that is supported by RLRS. The children will be school-ready when they reach kindergarten, to maximize their full academic potential.
No. But, if there comes a time when there is too much demand, priority will be given to those who live or work in town.
It is not. Rangeley Health and Wellness will continue to operate their CIA after school program. We do not want to compete; we intend to fill the childcare gaps that exist for families in Rangeley.
Yes, unless we are able to find grant funding to cover those costs. We are doing everything we can to reduce the cost burden for families.
We will need parents to serve on our board and offer guidance on our operations and programs. We do not have any other plans at this time (we just aren’t there yet!), but would love to hear from you if you have an interest in childcare.
Yes, absolutely. You will not have to leave work for your children to walk across the parking lot.