Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Southern Maine
Founded in 1985 by Cheryl Carrier, Toddle Inn began as a response to the need for safe, quality early childhood care in a nurturing environment. Starting in a single home in Scarborough, Maine, we have grown to serve over 950 children across five locations in Southern Maine. Our program, designed for infants through school-age children, combines structured learning with play-based exploration to foster independence, creativity, and social-emotional development. Our team of qualified early childhood educators collaborates with families to create individualized growth plans, ensuring each child thrives academically, socially, and physically. With specialized curricula even for infants, we emphasize motor skill development, artistic expression, and early literacy. Our facilities feature age-specific playgrounds, gyms, libraries, and swimming amenities, complemented by extracurricular activities and field trips.We maintain transparent communication with parents through regular feedback sessions and educational resources, while our flexible enrollment policies accommodate family needs. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in annual staff training in CPR, first aid, and evolving best practices. Recognized for our family-centric approach, we provide sibling discounts and maintain strict health and safety protocols, including timely illness response and sanitized environments. Over 35 years, we've built a community where children and families feel valued, supported, and prepared for future educational milestones.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Care
Preschool
School Age Program
Summer Adventure
Kindergarten Readiness
Special Activities
Cooking Lessons
Field Trips
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialized expertise in early childhood development
- Our curriculum combines structured learning with creative play for holistic growth
- Five conveniently located centers serving Southern Maine communities
- Teachers maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications and ongoing professional development
- Proven track record of preparing children for successful kindergarten transitions
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Amazing growth
Supportive environment
Creative curriculum
Family-like atmosphere
Services
Infant Care
Our infant program nurtures children from 6 weeks old with age-appropriate activities that stimulate sensory development and motor skills. Certified caregivers provide personalized attention to each baby's unique needs while implementing structured routines for feeding, sleeping, and playtime. The curriculum includes tummy time, music exposure, and early literacy through interactive reading sessions.
Preschool
Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten through play-based learning that develops social skills, problem-solving abilities, and academic foundations. Daily activities include letter recognition, counting games, science exploration, and creative arts. Teachers track individual progress using developmental checklists and maintain open communication with families about their child's growth.
School Age Program
This program supports children aged 5-12 with homework assistance, STEM activities, and organized recreation. Certified staff help with reading comprehension and math skills while fostering peer relationships through team-building games. The curriculum includes weekly cooking classes and access to on-site libraries for independent reading time.
Summer Adventure
Our summer program offers themed weeks with STEM projects, water play, and community field trips for children aged 3-12. Certified instructors lead science experiments, art projects, and physical activities that maintain learning momentum during school breaks. The program includes daily outdoor play and special events like guest performers and nature explorations.
Kindergarten Readiness
This specialized program develops essential skills for school success including letter recognition, number sense, and social-emotional learning. Certified teachers use play-based activities to teach classroom routines, conflict resolution, and basic academic concepts. Parents receive quarterly progress reports and participate in transition planning meetings with local school representatives.
People
Cheryl Carrier
Founder
Cheryl Carrier established Toddle Inn in 1985 after identifying a need for quality childcare in her community. With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, she has expanded the business to five locations while maintaining its founding principles of nurturing care and educational excellence.
Questions
What are Toddle Inn's operating hours?
We operate Monday through Friday from 7:15 AM to 5:30 PM with no weekend services.
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children from 6 weeks through school age with specialized programs for each developmental stage.
What curriculum do you use?
Our play-based curriculum promotes independence, creativity, and social-emotional development with structured learning activities.
How do you handle illness?
Parents must pick up sick children within one hour of notification following our detailed health policies.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept automatic bank withdrawals only for tuition payments due weekly in advance.
Are there sibling discounts?
Yes, we offer a $50 discounted registration fee for additional siblings enrolled simultaneously.