A bilingual child care center in Washington County is set to expand, thanks to $831,000 in federal funding announced Monday.
Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare Center, in Milbridge, is run by Mano en Mano/Hand in Hand, an organization that supports Downeast farmworker communities. The center was founded in 2005.
The congressionally directed funds will pave the way for significant improvements at the child care center, according to U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine. The expansion will include the construction of a new building, doubling the current capacity of the center so it can accommodate 64 students.
“This support will help Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare serve infants and develop after-school programming, as well as expand our culturally nourishing food pantry and build outdoor spaces to encourage nature-based learning,” said Sean Douglas, Mano en Mano/Hand in Hand operations director.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to realize this community dream and create a positive impact and investment in the families and children of Maine for generations to come.”
King said, “Affordable and accessible child care is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine. This funding will be a critical investment in the Washington Country community and ensure our hardworking farmers and seasonal agricultural workers can continue providing for their families.”