With construction of the Rangeley Child Care Center nearly complete and the expected October opening quickly approaching, a new director has been hired to lead the long-awaited facility.

Esther Fernandez Rosario, of Rangeley, said she plans a “holistic” approach to her work.

“While I started my career focusing on secondary education, I bring a rich background in early childhood and holistic education, with experience spanning schools, child care centers, and community programs,” Fernandez Rosario said.

Holistic education involves considering and addressing all aspects of a child’s world in teaching them.

“You can not just support a child in education by teaching them; you also have to check in on their emotions. You have to check in on their physical development. You have to see how their family is doing and what they could use for support,” she said.

With just a few child care options available in the region, and very limited spots for infants, many families struggle with finding consistent care, Fernandez Rosario said. 

The facility will accommodate 74 children in age-appropriate classrooms. Full- and part-time enrollment will be offered for children 6 weeks through school age, allowing families to choose a child care option that best fits their needs. 

“The center will be a game changer for Rangeley,” she said. “We’ll enable parents to return to work, expand their hours, or pursue education. Local businesses will benefit from a more stable workforce, and new families will find Rangeley a more welcoming place to settle.”

Most recently, Rosario served as a learning facilitator and social-emotional learning coach. In those roles, she mentored educators on positive behavior reinforcement and co-led literacy initiatives. Her experience also includes teaching prekindergarten using evidence–based curriculum and focusing on building strong family partnerships.

“My work has consistently focused on trauma-informed care, play-based learning, and inclusive family engagement. I hold a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, shaped by my education at Bowdoin College and through roles in AmeriCorps and Multilingual Mainers,” Fernandez Rosario said.

The center is a project of the Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund for Children. Funding for the $3.6 million project had been secured through state and federal grants, private philanthropy, corporate grants and foundations, said Ellen Oppenheim, the organization’s president and board chair.

“We are very excited to have Esther leading the Rangeley Child Care center as our executive director,” Oppenheim said. “Esther brings experience, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a profound love and commitment for early childhood education.”

Hiring of staff is underway, she added. Interested candidates can express interest by emailing a resume and letter of intent to [email protected]. Fernandez Rosario said there are openings for lead teachers, teachers and center aids.

“We are looking for passionate educators who believe in the power of early childhood care to transform lives,” she said.

Formal enrollment into the programs will be offered once the center is staffed. Families can email [email protected] to express interest for enrollment in full- or part-time enrollment in infant, toddler and preschool programs. Families can also use the email to inquire about availability, tuition or program details.

Fernandez Rosario said the center will assist families with applications to the Maine Child Care Affordability Program, which will assist with reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Oppenheim said families are often put on a wait list for any potential state subsidized child care.

“We have had some very substantial gifts that will help with out-of-pocket costs while families are on the wait list. No one will have to turn down child care because of costs,” Oppenheim said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend.