"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous." – Aristotle

BELFAST — Aristotle spoke these words over 2300 years ago and today Broadreach Family & Community Services is launching a new early childhood experience for children in the 21st century. The program called "SPROUTS," harkens back to the world where children are in tune with our surroundings – 'Where Nature Meets Nurture'.

Debuting in Belfast and Unity, Broadreach is opening affordable, nature-based full-day, full year, early childhood education programs for children ages 2 1/2 years-old to five-years-old. SPROUTS will begin this fall in both locations. To register contact Broadreach by phone at 338-2200 or visit online at broadreachmaine.org.

Both programs, with activities based outdoors in natural settings, are open to children of all abilities. There are no residency or income guidelines. Programming is offered Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

SPROUTS offers rich, nature-based educational experiences infused with language, literacy, numeracy, social skill development, music and arts. SPROUTS teachers are certified by the state of Maine. High/Scope, our research-based, nationally recognized curriculum, supports all children through active learning, including those with special needs and those at-risk for developing learning difficulties.

SPROUTS nurtures the skills young children need to become masters of their own learning. Tuition rates for 2016 will be $170 per week for a full five-day week at SPROUTS. Some children's tuition may be covered by a third party, such as Child Development Services (CDS). Broadreach offers families an easy automatic payment option and a tuition discount for those who enroll in this auto-bill pay plan.

For more information about Sprouts contact Vicky Nickerson at 207-338-2200 or vnickerson@brmaine.org. To learn more about how SPROUTS compliments the full range of services that benefit preschool children with special needs, contact Broadreach's special education services coordinator Shelly Wilbur at 207-338-0029 or swilbur@brmaine.org.

Broadreach began as Waldo County Preschool over thirty-three years ago to provide early childhood education. It now serves people of all ages striving to reach their full potential in through programs such as early childhood education, behavioral health services and case management, after school services for middle and high school students and family-strengthening programs.