Sara Larson becomes special education coordinator of Coastal Kids Preschool
Sara Larson, left, the new special education coordinator at Coastal Kids Preschool. Priscilla Congdon, right, founded the school in 1995. (Photo courtesy Coastal Kids Preschool)
Sara Larson, left, the new special education coordinator at Coastal Kids Preschool. Priscilla Congdon, right, founded the school in 1995. (Photo courtesy Coastal Kids Preschool)
DAMARISCOTTA — Coastal Kids Preschool, in Damariscotta, announces that long-time CKP teacher Sara Larson has become the school’s special education coordinator.
Larson has worked at Coastal Kids since 2012 as an assistant teacher, 1:1 student aide, and Starfish class head teacher. Prior to Coastal Kids, Larson supported children in a special purpose preschool for seven years. She earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of Maine and will complete an M.S. in special education through University of Maine Farmington in May 2024.
Larson says she loves working at Coastal Kids because she has “the freedom to find creative ways to support the children and families she works with, as well as forming cooperative working relationships with all the staff,” according to CKP, in a news release.
Priscilla Congdon founded Coastal Kids Preschool in 1995 and has served as special education coordinator for 29 years.
“Congdon has been the guiding force behind Coastal Kids’ educational program and exemplifies the school’s firm commitment to their mission of inclusion,” said CKP.
In 2022 she was awarded the Marcia Lovell Award for Innovation in Early Care and Education from the Maine Roads to Quality (MRTQ) Professional Development Network, representing District 4 (Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties). Congdon will continue with Coastal Kids as special education advisor.
“We’re so pleased about these developments,” said Caer Hallundbaek, executive director of Coastal Kids. “They reflect our continued commitment to CKP’s mission and staff.”
Coastal Kids Preschool provides an inclusive, developmentally appropriate education for preschool children of all incomes and abilities. One third of Coastal Kids’ full-time licensed slots are allocated for children with identified special needs. The only NAEYC-accredited preschool program in Lincoln County, they currently serve nearly 100 students from 17 towns in the Midcoast region.
Coastal Kids Preschool is a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, or to support the school online, visit www.coastalkidsme.org or email caer.hallundbaek@coastalkidsme.org.
