Enriching the lives of children and families, one circle at a time.
Circle Time Preschool and Childcare is a premier childcare provider in Portland, ME, dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational environment for children from infancy to preschool age. Our team of experienced and caring educators is committed to helping each child grow and develop at their own pace, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Our Philosophy
At Circle Time Preschool and Childcare, we believe that each child is an individual with unique needs and learning styles. We strive to create a safe, stimulating, and caring environment that meets the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of each child. Our literature-based program exposes children to a wide range of books, poems, songs, and written language, while our activity centers focus on art, science, and dramatic play.
Our Services
Our preschool program is designed for children aged 3-5, providing a structured and unstructured environment that encourages inquiry, creativity, and social interaction. Our teachers create discovery and play experiences that build on skills such as positive social interactions, problem-solving, science, technology, math, literacy, creative arts, and music.
Our toddler program, designed for children aged 1-3, focuses on developing self-help skills and independence. We provide a variety of structured and unstructured activities that promote fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and language development.
Our infant program, for children aged 0-1, provides a safe, stimulating, and caring environment that meets the unique needs of each baby. Our staff observes babies with care, creating a personalized plan that fosters growth, development, and a strong bond between baby and caregiver.
Our Mission
Circle Time Preschool and Childcare's mission is to enrich the quality of family life by providing peace of mind to parents and by enhancing the life experiences of the children in our care. We aim to provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning, self-confidence, and social skills.
Staff and Care
The staff at Circle Time daycare are praised for their care and love towards the children. One reviewer mentioned that the staff cares deeply about the children and their child felt loved and cared for every day.
Negativity Towards Owner Donna
Multiple reviewers have expressed negative sentiments towards the owner, Donna. She has been accused of being greedy, money-hungry, and neglectful towards the children. Reviewers have mentioned that she overcharges parents, threatens them with court action, and harasses them for payments. Some have even reported her to the state for expired snacks, molded dish areas, and other issues.
Concerns About Care and Facilities
Reviewers have expressed concerns about the care and facilities at Circle Time daycare. Some have mentioned that the daycare is neglectful, with instances of moldy soap bottles and inadequate cleaning resources. One reviewer even witnessed a child being forced to sit outside in the snow without winter clothes.
Lack of Quality and Communication
Reviewers have criticized the lack of quality childcare and communication at Circle Time daycare. Some have mentioned that the daycare has no curriculum, and employees are unprofessional and neglect to communicate with families.
Overcharging and Misleading Practices
Reviewers have accused Circle Time daycare of overcharging parents and engaging in misleading practices. One reviewer was shocked to discover that she was being charged $2.50 for pizza days, despite it not being mentioned in the handbook. Another reviewer was charged for three weeks that their child did not attend.
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