Our History
Peopleplace is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in Camden, Maine in 1983; it was the outgrowth of a cooperative playgroup, which had formed three years earlier. In 1985 the group moved into its current building at 69 Union Street in Camden, and the number of families jumped from 12 to 55 overnight. With the purchase of the building and two acres of woods behind it ten years later, Peopleplace fulfilled a long-term goal. In 2002, an extensive renovation of the building added 1000 square feet allowing more natural light and separate areas for specific instruction. The dedicated efforts of many parents, board members, and friends in the community have made this growth possible.
Peopleplace has now served hundreds of children from 14 neighboring towns.
The school is licensed by the State of Maine as a “child care facility for 47 children.” The license is posted and state regulations are available in the office.
Peopleplace is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Peopleplace was first accredited in 1989, and has maintained that status ever since. Through this accreditation process, Peopleplace has refined curriculum policies and set guidelines for staff based on the most progressive philosophies of early childhood centers.
Peopleplace is a cooperative preschool where parents are partners in the education of their child.
Our programs, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, are guided by the following principles:
Recognition that each child is inherently competent, capable, and curious – full of ideas, inventiveness, and interest in relationships.
Understanding the tremendous impact environment has on childhood development and learning, and leveraging it to facilitate education.
Providing a vehicle for enhancing interactions among teachers, parents, and children by actively observing and documenting the experiences and learning of each child as they develop.
Using the continually emerging and evolving interests of the children as the basis for guiding and shaping the curriculum.