Count, Write, Paint, Play, Learn With Us The Creative Way!
A Fun, Nurturing & Educational Preschool Program
Preparing Little Learners for Big Adventures!
At Creative Beginnings Child Care Center, we believe the preschool years are an exciting time for children to discover new interests, develop friendships, build independence, and strengthen important early learning skills. Our preschool program in South Portland, Maine, provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where three-year-old children can learn, explore, and grow with confidence.
Designed to build upon the developmental skills introduced during toddler care and Wee Pre-School, our preschool program incorporates age-appropriate educational activities that encourage early literacy, mathematics, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional development.
Through hands-on learning, interactive activities, imaginative play, and guided exploration, we help children develop the foundational skills needed for continued success in Pre-K and kindergarten.
We recognize that every child learns at their own pace. Our child-centered approach encourages curiosity, independence, and a positive attitude toward learning while celebrating each child's individual strengths and accomplishments.
Our goal is to provide a nurturing, home-away-from-home environment where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to discover something new every day.
Play-Based Preschool Learning & Early Academic Development
At Creative Beginnings, our preschool program combines purposeful educational activities with the natural curiosity and imagination of young children.
Our learning experiences are designed to strengthen essential academic readiness skills while making education enjoyable and meaningful.
Early Literacy, Letter Recognition & Phonics
Our preschool program introduces children to important early reading and writing concepts through books, songs, educational games, and hands-on activities.
Throughout the school year, children work toward:
- Recognizing uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Identifying and practicing letter sounds.
- Developing phonemic awareness through songs and rhymes.
- Recognizing and writing their first and last names.
- Strengthening vocabulary and listening comprehension.
- Building an early interest in books, stories, and reading.
These foundational literacy experiences help children become more familiar with written language and prepare them for more advanced learning in Pre-K.
Early Mathematics & Number Recognition
Our preschool curriculum introduces mathematical concepts through playful, interactive experiences.
Children work toward recognizing and writing numbers up to twenty while strengthening their understanding of counting, patterns, sorting, and number relationships.
Early mathematics activities may include:
- Counting objects and participating in number games.
- Recognizing numbers from 1 through 20.
- Practicing early number writing.
- Sorting objects by color, size, and shape.
- Identifying patterns and similarities.
- Exploring basic measurement and spatial relationships.
By incorporating mathematics into everyday activities, we help children develop number sense, logical thinking, and confidence in their growing abilities.
Encouraging Independence & Important Preschool Life Skills
As children enter their preschool years, they become increasingly independent and eager to take on new responsibilities.
At Creative Beginnings Child Care Center, we encourage age-appropriate independence through familiar daily routines and positive learning experiences.
Our preschool program helps children practice important self-help and social skills, including:
- Following classroom routines and simple directions.
- Cleaning up toys and learning materials.
- Practicing personal hygiene and handwashing.
- Developing independence during meals and snacks.
- Putting on and removing jackets and other clothing.
- Sharing, cooperating, and taking turns.
- Communicating personal needs and feelings.
- Completing simple tasks with growing confidence.
These everyday accomplishments help children develop responsibility, independence, and important skills that support their transition into Pre-K.
Spacious Preschool Classrooms Designed for Discovery
Creative Beginnings Child Care Center features two dedicated preschool classrooms designed to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and social interaction.
Our preschool learning environments provide opportunities for children to participate in:
- Early literacy and writing activities.
- Number recognition and introductory mathematics.
- Creative arts and imaginative play.
- Interactive learning centers.
- Group activities and social interaction.
- Independent exploration and problem-solving.
- Fine and gross motor development.
Our spacious classrooms provide room for children to explore new interests, develop friendships, and build confidence as they prepare for their next educational milestones.
Indoor & Outdoor Play for Healthy Preschool Development
Physical activity is an essential part of early childhood development.
At Creative Beginnings, our preschool children enjoy opportunities for active play in our outdoor playground and indoor gym.
Our outdoor playground provides space for running, movement, imaginative play, and social interaction.
Our indoor gym offers additional opportunities for physical activity throughout the year, including during Maine's colder months.
Through active play, children develop balance, coordination, strength, confidence, and cooperation while learning to interact positively with their peers.
We believe combining classroom learning with movement and exploration helps create a balanced and enjoyable preschool experience.
Preparing Preschoolers for Pre-K & Kindergarten
Our preschool program helps children develop the academic, social, emotional, and independent living skills needed for the next stage of early childhood education.
Through developmentally appropriate activities, children strengthen:
- Early literacy, letter recognition, and phonics.
- Number recognition and introductory mathematics.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Listening and communication skills.
- Social interaction and friendship development.
- Emotional awareness and self-regulation.
- Fine motor skills and early writing abilities.
- Independence, responsibility, and confidence.
We recognize that kindergarten readiness involves much more than recognizing letters and numbers. It also includes developing curiosity, positive relationships, communication abilities, and the confidence to participate in new learning experiences.
Our goal is to help children enter Pre-K feeling excited, capable, and prepared to continue their educational journey.
Strong Family Connections & Individualized Preschool Learning
We understand that every preschool child has unique interests, abilities, experiences, and developmental needs.
At Creative Beginnings Child Care Center, we value strong relationships with families and believe consistency between home and childcare plays an important role in early childhood development.
Our child-centered philosophy encourages children to learn at their own pace while building independence, confidence, and a positive attitude toward education.
We strive to create an environment where families feel welcomed and children feel supported as they reach important developmental milestones.
Why Choose Creative Beginnings for Preschool?
Families searching for preschool in South Portland, Scarborough, and surrounding Maine communities will discover a nurturing early childhood learning environment at Creative Beginnings Child Care Center.
Our preschool program offers:
- A welcoming preschool environment for three-year-old children.
- Two dedicated preschool classrooms.
- Play-based, age-appropriate early childhood education.
- Uppercase and lowercase letter recognition.
- Early phonics and writing development.
- Number recognition and writing activities up to twenty.
- Social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development.
- Interactive learning centers and hands-on educational activities.
- Indoor gym and outdoor playground activities.
- Consistent daily routines with meals, snacks, and quiet time.
- Opportunities to develop confidence, independence, and friendships.
- Foundational learning experiences that prepare children for Pre-K.
We believe every child deserves an early education experience filled with encouragement, discovery, creativity, and opportunities to grow.
Emma Longo
RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS
RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS
Emma joined us in July of 2026 and has already made a huge impact to our preschool program! She graduated from the University of Maine in 2025, she has interned and worked at various centers in the Orono area. Her love of teaching truly shines through her enthusiastic, patient, and caring demeanor in the classroom. We look forward to many years with Emma!
RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS
RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS
RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS
Runa joined the Creative Beginnings team in 2012. She graduated from Champlain College in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Runa has worked in every classroom here and truly shines wherever she is. She is hardworking, has a positive attitude, and is loved by everyone at Creative Beginnings.
Taylor Thomas Budzynski
Taylor joined the Creative Beginnings team in May of 2025. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2023. Taylor first started as a floater and quickly became an asset to every classroom. She recently made the move to be a permeant preschool teacher and we are so thrilled she did! Taylor is calm, creative, and loving and we are so
Taylor joined the Creative Beginnings team in May of 2025. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2023. Taylor first started as a floater and quickly became an asset to every classroom. She recently made the move to be a permeant preschool teacher and we are so thrilled she did! Taylor is calm, creative, and loving and we are so lucky to have her!