Lewiston’s newest child care center to focus on special needs

Lewiston local Lisa Jones opened KidSpace Inclusive Childcare in late January with hopes of attracting families with children who have special needs.

Posted February 20

Updated February 21

Joe Charpentier Staff Writer

A children's play space is seen in a classroom Thursday morning at KidSpace Inclusive Childcare on East Avenue in Lewiston. Purchase this image

LEWISTON — After years of preparation, a new child care center focused on special education inclusion has officially opened its doors in Lewiston.

KidSpace Inclusive Childcare, founded by longtime resident and special education advocate Lisa Jones, opened Jan. 29 and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, drawing city officials, emergency responders and media attention.

Jones’ journey to open KidSpace began about five years ago when the idea came to her while she was working at the local YWCA. That idea gained traction a year later when Jones joined Coastal Enterprise’s child care business lab.

“This dream was so many years in the making that it’s still a little hard to believe it’s finally here,” Jones said. “I still have to pinch myself … (and) I’m at a loss for words now that the moment is here.”

Jones purchased the 71 East Ave. building in July 2024 from former owners who had been considering using the building for a child care center. However, the property had mold damage and a burst pipe, leading to extensive remediation work before it could meet state regulations.

Navigating the permitting process proved to be another hurdle.

“(There was) a lot of in-person visiting the third floor,” Jones said, referencing the city offices responsible for licensing and inspections. Despite the challenges, local officials provided guidance and support throughout the process leading to the successful opening of the business.

Abby Girardin, lead preschool teacher at KidSpace Inclusive Childcare, left, holds one of her students Thursday morning in a classroom at the Lewiston child care center at 71 East Ave. in Lewiston. In the background, Lewiston City Councilor Eryn M. Soule-Leclair talks with another student while elected officials, members of the media and others toured the facility after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. *Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal*

KidSpace, a fully licensed day care center, accommodates up to 40 children and has nine enrolled, Jones said. The center employs three staff members and Jones plans to hire more as enrollment grows.

Welcoming children of all learning norms, KidSpace is particularly designed to support those with special needs, Jones said.

With her background in special education, she wants to provide families with resources and advocacy to navigate everything possible in the special education world. The center is equipped with sensory tools and other resources to help children regulate their environment, she said.

With recent state budget proposals threatening to reduce financial support for child care providers, Jones also has plans to advocate for early childhood education funding at the state level.

“The business model for child care is already difficult,” Jones explained. “We have the same bills as a home, plus staff wages, and the only funding source is what parents can pay. Legislative support is critical.”

KidSpace Inclusive Childcare will be a permanent fixture, Jones said, serving families for years to come.

“I am a dedicated Lewiston resident who intends to be doing this right here in this spot for the rest of my life,” Jones said.

For more information about KidSpace, call 207-754-8163 or email [email protected].