Eastern Maine Community College Katahdin Region Child Development Center

A vital daycare and academic hub to support economic growth in the Katahdin region

The expansion of Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC)’s Child Development Center in East Millinocket, Maine creates a vibrant, nurturing environment for children while supporting families and the broader Katahdin region. Thoughtfully designed to connect to its natural surroundings, the project combines flexible indoor spaces, abundant daylight, and engaging outdoor learning areas – doubling capacity and strengthening the community’s foundation for early education and growth.

Project Overview

Client

Eastern Maine Community College

Type

Expansion & Renovation

Size

2,300 Square Feet New; 3,000 Square Feet Renovation

Key Contacts

Mark D. Lee, AIA, LEED AP
Daniel Backman, AIA, LEED AP

Building Foundations for Learning and Growth

Early childhood education is a critical cornerstone for both children and communities. The expanded and enhanced daycare facilities at the Katahdin Higher Education Center supports families, students and help to attract and retain local employers, strengthening the community as a whole.

A Thoughtful, Contextual Design

The project nearly doubles the EMCC childcare program’s capacity with a 2,300-square-foot addition. The building’s form, materials, and orientation respond to the surrounding forests and mountains, creating a warm and inviting environment for children. Ample natural light, scaled thoughtfully for young users, floods classrooms and common spaces, seamlessly uniting the space with the outdoors. A double-height connector with a light monitor serves as a central gathering space, fostering a sense of openness and community.

The design supports exploration, creativity, and growth, giving children a safe and engaging place to learn while strengthening the region’s educational and economic infrastructure.

Outdoor Learning and Play

A standout feature of the project is the expanded outdoor play area, designed in collaboration with Sashie Misner Landscape Architecture. This flexible, climate-responsive space encourages children to engage with nature, discover imaginative ways to play, and experience hands-on learning in a safe, appropriately scaled environment.

Supporting Families and the Region

The newly expanded Katahdin Region Child Development Center now serves children from birth to age five, offering a nurturing and stimulating environment that aligns with both developmental needs and regional economic priorities. By investing in the youngest learners, EMCC and its partners are creating lasting benefits for families, educators, and the broader Katahdin region community.