Penquis talks about early education programs during Teacher Appreciation Week

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - It is Teacher Appreciation Week. Kelley Graffam from Penquis Family Enrichment Services stopped by the WABI TV5 studios to express appreciation for all the teachers and educators who make Early Head Start and Head Start along with other childcare programs possible.

Penquis is proud to celebrate all teachers, especially those who serve in Penquis’ three-county service coverage areas of Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox Counties. Early childhood education is vital for intellectual and social development. Having access to early education helps children acquire social skills, boosts brain development, helps build independence and self-esteem, fosters creativity, and adds to the overall physical and mental health of a child.

Penquis offers high-quality Early Childhood Education in all their classrooms. Penquis serves a wide range of ages from infants as young as six weeks and toddlers up to 3 years old in the Early Head Start program; and preschool-age children from ages 3 to age 5 years old in the Head Start program, as well as 4 year-olds in the PreK partnerships, where children are prepared for kindergarten success.

Penquis teaching staff have college degrees and are provided with at least 40 hours of Professional Development each year. In addition, research-based curriculums are implemented in Early Head Start, Head Start, PreK collaborations, and Childcare. Once a child is enrolled in a Penquis classroom or childcare program, Penquis staff can connect parents to local resources, help them identify and reach family goals, and help prepare children for school and future successes. Some of the services offered to children enrolled in these programs include individualized attention to work toward developmental goals, health and dental screenings, school readiness, nutrition education, parental support, trainings and workshops, and services for children with special needs.

To learn more about Penquis Early Head Start and Head Start programs log on to Penquis.org or call 207-973-3567. You may also email Kelley Graffam at kgraffam@penquis.org.

If you are interested in a rewarding career working with young children, and having Penquis as your employer, please go to Penquis.org to check out current job openings. Penquis offers more than 50 programs and services and is a wonderful place to work whether it is in the education department or any of the other programs. Some benefits include (but are not limited to) 14 Paid Holidays including your birthday; 3 days of paid time off upon hire; paid training for all required certifications; Dental/Health/Vision insurance plans; Retirement Plans; Tuition Reimbursement and Wellness Incentives. Keep checking the Penquis website (Penquis.org) for new opportunities to join the Penquis team!

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