About the Workshop
Peaks Island Children's Workshop is a nonprofit childcare provider, licensed through DHHS as a small childcare facility serving 12 children. (To better meet the needs of the island, we are actively engaged in seeking licensure for serving 20 children.) We partner with DHHS, CDS, and 5-2-1-0 Let's Go to name a few. We are rated as a five-star provider — the highest rating available — by the Maine Roads to Quality Registry. Due to our high rating, parents qualify for a double tax credit on childcare costs.
Programs
We provide nurturing, developmentally-appropriate experiences for young children through three different programs:
Infants/Toddler
For children ages 6 weeks to 2-1/2 years, when children graduate to our Preschool program.
Preschool
For children ages 2-1/2 to 4 years old.
Pre-K Aftercare
Subject to availability. We offer aftercare for Workshop alumni who are enrolled in the Pre-K program at Peaks Island Elementary school, depending on capacity.
Along with its child care programs, the Workshop provides resources and referrals to mainland resources, and works cooperatively with other island service organizations including the Peaks Island Elementary School.
Hours of Operation
Our programs run year-round, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. We offer full-day care, as well as a 1/3rd-day (ending at 12:30pm) and 2/3rds-day (ending at 2:30pm) options.
Our history
The Workshop was established by Peaks Island parents and community members in 1972 to provide exceptional childcare for the island. Originally called Peaks Island Child Development Center, we were housed in the basement of St. Christopher’s Parish Hall on Central Avenue, under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Maine.
In 1993, we sought community support for building a new, more modern and child-friendly facility — and Peaks Island responded with enthusiasm, donating more than $400,000 for a new building! Four years later, we moved in to our beautiful, purpose-built quarters, where we are today. The Workshop later separated from Catholic Charities and took the name Peaks Island Children’s Workshop, and now operates independently.
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Margaret Myers
Margaret is an accomplished author with "lots of degrees" in topics like English, ethics, religion and writing. In fact, she has a long history of nannying to pay the bills while she writes. She worked in both the Infant/Toddler and Preschool programs before becoming Workshop Director in 2023. "My guiding light," she says, "is recognizing that each day happens only once, so let's make it the best it can be. That's doubly true for the children in our care. Each one of them has a whole galaxy inside, and we are there to nourish it, each and every day." Margaret's favorite color? A very thoughtful Mustard Yellow.
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Nettie Rose Wood
Nettie found her passion for working with children when she attended SMCC for a degree in human services and behavioral health. An internship led to her to a 10-year stint as a teacher at North Atlantic Montessori School before she joined the Workshop in 2022. Nettie moved to Peaks to renovate her Airstream trailer with her now-husband, Jackman, and now her two daughters attend the Workshop. She says, "I love that the island gives all the Workshop children the safety to walk around freely and truly be part of the community. It's the dream. It's what all parents want!" Her favorite color? Sunflower Yellow. (That it's sunny is no surprise.)
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Abby Knight
Abby graduated from Wheaton college with a degree in Philosophy of Religion — good preparation, she says, for “making mindful decisions in chaotic situations.” Which is a good thing, because immediately upon graduation Abby started working with children, and hasn't stopped since. Before coming to the Workshop she spent almost ten years at Children's Odyssey, a "whole child" preschool program in Portland, and also teaches yoga to both adults and kids. Abby lives full-time on the island with her son Cooper. Because of her sparkling personality, you might guess her favorite color is Glitter!
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Abby Annis
Abby moved to Peaks in 2019 to join her husband Finn, who grew up on the island, and is now raising her daughter Norah as an "island baby." She was educated in printmaking, art history, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and is a gifted baker and artist — and now brings her wealth of talents to the Workshop. Whether painting a mural in the Workshop loft or leading kids on an outdoor adventure, Abby is all in on creating a kind and supportive Workshop community. Abby's favorite color is a beautiful and down-to-earth Basil Green.
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Etta Frederick
Etta lived on Peaks for five years before moving to Portland in 2023, and rides the ferry to come to work. She loves children and has had lifelong involvement with them as a caretaker. She appreciates the "small town feeling" of the island and how it creates a safe and welcoming world for Workshop children. Etta's color of choice is a warm Sage Green.