About Salt Breeze Early Learning

Founded in 2023, Salt Breeze Early Learning’s programming is inspired by Montessori and Waldorf learning practices and rooted in the Maine Early Learning Standards. We encourage curiosity, and fill our days with use of imagination, storytelling, music, and practical life lessons with emphasis on positive youth development. Even our youngest attendees are given voice and choice.

The caregivers at Salt Breeze Early Learning are dedicated in helping each child reach his or her full potential. The skills your child will learn and develop here will help them build self-esteem and prepare them for future life skills. It is the goal of this establishment to give your child the opportunity to experience high quality, educational care. 

Salt Breeze Early Learning is a state licensed child care program located in Pittsfield, ME. We believe every child should have the opportunity to have a safe and enriching environment in which to learn and develop holistically. Salt Breeze Learning strives to bring together people and industry to create a strong network to support families and children. Through our work with families, youth, and industry, we place emphasis on community building, education, the preservation of culture, and the sharing of resources to best support the young people of Maine and their families, specifically those of Central Maine. The Salt Breeze Early Learning program offers Montessori and Waldorf inspired programming for ages 6-weeks to 12 years.

Weekly Structure

Much of our week is inspired by Montessori style of learning. Our weekly rhythm is grounded in Montessori areas of learning with each day of the week featuring key learning area: practical life skills, culture, language, sensorial, and mathematics. We are open Monday – Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm. 

Monday: Practical Life

Independence, social skills, physical health, and care for space and environment.


Tuesday: Culture

Geography, botany, zoology, science, history, music and art.



Wednesday: Language

Oral language, phonics, letter formation, sentence structure, vowels and consonants, writing, reading and early literacy skills.

Thursday: Sensorial

Colors, shapes, textures, weights, dimension, discrimination and distinguishing between smells, taste and sound.

Friday: Mathematics

Math concepts in a concrete, hands-on way using specific materials learning number recognition, counting, basic operations, and geometric shapes.

Daily Rhythm

  • 7:30-8:00 AM Arrival and free choice. Each child will have the opportunity to freely choose a variety of activities. They may include books, puzzles, table toys, sensory tubs and blocks.
  • 7:45-8:30AM Breakfast
  • 8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast Clean up and Free Play
  • 9:00-9:15 Potty/Diapers/Clean up 
  • 9:15-10:00 AM Circle Time and Movement 
  • 10:00-10:15 AM Diapers/Hand Washing
  • 10:15-10:35 AM SNACK
  • 10:35-11:00 AM Structured Learning & Small Group Activities- Activities during this period will be planned on a week-to-week basis. Lesson plans will include carefully planned developmentally appropriate activities to help develop each child’s growth in language, fine motor, large motor, mathematical, social emotional, cognitive & self-help skills as described by Supporting Maine’s Infants and Toddlers or Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
  • 11:00-11:40 Outside/ Free Play
  • 11:40-12:00 Diaper Changes/Potty/Handwashing
  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch                                                                                                                                                           
  • 1:00-2:15 – Quiet Time/Nap time 
  • 2:15-2:30 – Potty/Clean up etc.
  • 2:30-3:00 Snack
  • 3:00-3:45 Structured Learning (inside or outside) 
  • 3:45-4:15 Potty/Clean up
  • 4:15-4:30 Free Choice and Departure 

Learning

Salt Breeze Early Learning’s learning experiences are thoughtfully designed to support the whole child through engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences. Our program is Montessori and Waldorf inspired and our weekly structure follows the Montessori key learning areas: Monday: practical life skills, Tuesday: culture, Wednesday: language, Thursday: sensorial, and Friday: mathematics.

We implement the OWL (Opening the World of Learning) curriculum—a comprehensive, research-based early childhood program that builds foundational skills in language, literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. While OWL is designed for preschool-aged children, we adapt it thoughtfully to meet the needs of younger learners as well. For example, our two-year-olds explore vocabulary and language components at a slower, developmentally appropriate pace, allowing them to build skills with confidence. We meet each child where they are, tailoring learning experiences to support their individual growth and readiness.

To supplement our time with the OWL curriculum, our educators design meaningful learning experiences aligned with the Maine Early Learning Standards. Communication is at the heart of our approach—children are immersed in English while also being introduced to sign language and French vocabulary. We place strong emphasis on self-regulation and community participation, helping children understand their emotions, make positive choices, and contribute respectfully to their environment.

Cultural learning is woven into our daily experiences, with a special emphasis on Mi’kmaq and Celtic traditions, reflecting the heritage of our staff. Through stories, music, seasonal celebrations, and nature-based learning, children explore these rich cultures in age-appropriate and respectful ways, deepening their understanding of identity, place, and diversity. 

Our staff brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to their work. Our lead teacher holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in human development, offering deep insight into child behavior and learning. Another team member holds state teaching certificate, bringing professional classroom experience and a strong foundation in education. Together, our team is committed to creating a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

For families interested in traditional preschool in a school setting, Salt Breeze Early Learning offers a convenient and enriching continuation of your child’s day after attending the Manson Park morning pre-k. We are located just minutes from the school, and children can be dropped off by the school bus after their morning pre-K session. Once they arrive, we continue to build on their learning with hands-on, engaging activities that align with our curriculum and daily rhythms.