Katahdin Area Celebrates Opening of Newly Expanded Early Childhood Education Center

EAST MILLINocket, Maine (WABI) – Almost a year ago, Eastern Maine Community College celebrated the groundbreaking for its expansion of the Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket.

On Thursday, they celebrated the grand opening of the expanded Early Childhood Education Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“The Katahdin region is more than just recovering. We’re already on the move,” said Gail Fanjoy, president of the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce.

Expanding high-quality, reliable child care has been a goal of Eastern Maine Community College.

Over the past yearthey are expanding their Early Childhood Education Center at the Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket.

It includes two modern classrooms, a commercial kitchen and two new playgrounds.

The expansion was made possible by $4 million in Congressional-led funding supported by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. The center can now serve twice as many children.

“I think this will help keep young families here. This will help attract more businesses and entrepreneurs, and also allow children to be better prepared for school,” said Senator Susan Collins.

“Even with all the hardships we’ve been through, it really is a sign that people respect what’s going on here and approve of all the work that’s going on here to make the community a much better place,” said Deb Rountree, executive director of the initiative. in Rural Development from Eastern Maine Community College.

The Katahdin Center for Higher Education is the only institution of higher education in northern Penobscot County. This expansion helps address the critical need for affordable child care in the Katahdin region.

“Less than 60% of Maine’s eligible workers are employed, and locally, more than 50% of working-age people are unemployed. Affordable child care plays a role in this impressive percentage,” Fanjoy explained.

The next phase of the project is to create a Cultural Story Trail behind the center that will tell the story of the area’s Indigenous peoples.

The routes are currently being designed. The hope is to begin work next spring.