Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare opened its doors in January 2021, with the mission to provide bilingual Spanish and English child care services that center the languages and cultures of the students we serve. The center acts as a bridge to connect families from different backgrounds so that language and culture are valued and appreciated by our whole community.
Rayitos de Sol is open to all families in the Downeast community, including families arriving to the area seasonally to perform agricultural work. Since it opened, the center has provided accessible care through the Maine Child subsidy program, and The Familia Fund- a scholarship program that provides support to migrant families that qualify for the Maine Child Care Subsidy Program, but due to the systemic barriers (including extended time in processing applications, waitlists, etc.), these services are not accessible during the time period families are in the area. These sources of support help ensure that childcare services are available to all families in the area.
After operating at its maximum capacity of 12 students throughout the past year, the center is going to expand! The new facility will offer more space and infrastructure to serve up to 40 children and help the center more effectively serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and provide after school programming for elementary school students.
In addition to creating new jobs and the increasing capacity to serve more families, the center will incorporate spaces that have been prioritized by community members including: Mano en Manos Food Pantry, community areas, a playground, and indoor recreation spaces.
We need your help to continue to grow Rayitos de Sol and bring the new center to completion! Please support the development of Rayitos de Sol today!
If you'd prefer to donate by mail, you can do so by mailing a check made payable to "Mano en Mano / Hand in Hand" to PO Box 573, Milbridge, ME 04658.