Bridgton families are asking The Opportunity Alliance to reconsider the proposed closure of the Bridgton Head Start classroom, currently planned for July 2026.

Head Start is a free early childhood program for kids 3-5 that provides education, meals, developmental support, and critical resources for families. In rural communities like Bridgton, it is more than a preschool, it's a lifeline for working families and children who need a strong start.

Recently, families were informed that the Bridgton will close due to under-enrollment. However, community feedback tells a different story. 

Nearly 30 local families have responded so far to a community survey, and several key concerns emerged:

• Many families did not know Bridgton had a Head Start program
• Others believed the program was closed after seeing it listed that way online
• Some families tried to enroll but had difficulty getting information or did not receive a response
• Families consistently shared that this program is essential for childcare, employment, and their child’s development

While Stevens Brook Elementary offers a PreK program, it is limited to 32 students total, operates on a part-day schedule, and placement is not guaranteed. It also cannot meet all developmental or family support needs. Head Start provides a level of care and services that this program does not replace, especially for working families who rely on consistent, full-day childcare.

Last year, families were told that if at least 10 children enrolled for the upcoming school year, the program would remain open. Based on that understanding, community members worked to recruit families and support enrollment. There are currently 11 enrolled. 

Closing the Bridgton Head Start classroom would significantly reduce access to early childhood education in our area and create additional barriers for families who already have limited options.

We respectfully ask The Opportunity Alliance to:

• Reevaluate the decision to close the Bridgton Head Start classroom
• Consider the impact of limited awareness and access barriers on enrollment
• Work with the community to explore solutions that would allow the program to remain open

Bridgton families deserve access to early childhood education, and decisions of this magnitude should fully reflect the needs and voices of the community. 

Please sign below to support keeping Head Start in Bridgton!