Features of Our High Quality Program

Safety is always our top priority. 

 We are a secure facility. Upon enrollment, families will be provided with a numerical code, which will allow access to the building. Only families with children enrolled in the program will be given a code. Once they are no longer enrolled, the code will be deleted.  

 Hilltop School also has security cameras installed around the property outside as well and in the hallways throughout the school so the facility can be monitored, 24/7.   We also have motion detectors installed throughout our building. 

All of our staff and teachers have walkie talkies as well as an emergency bag that is carried with them at all times, no matter where they go inside or outside the building. The walkie talkies ensure there is always a way to easily and quickly communicate back and forth. 

In addition to the measures listed above, we also work with an officer from Bangor PD to train our staff in emergency preparedness. 

   Hilltop School utilizes the Procare App for daily communication between staff and families.   

At our early education facility, we believe that strong communication between home and school is essential for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for every child. Our communication app serves as a bridge between families and staff, allowing for seamless, real-time updates and exchanges of information. Whether it's sharing a child's daily activities, progress, or `important milestones, or keeping parents informed about upcoming events and announcements, the app helps create a strong, collaborative partnership. We understand that family involvement is key to a child's success, and by keeping the lines of communication open, we ensure that families and educators are working together toward the child's growth and development. This connection builds trust, encourages engagement, and ensures that every child receives the support they need both at home and in the classroom.

With the Procare app, our teachers are able to share photos, videos, their weekly curriculum, daily updates of their activities, how the ate, the length of their nap, etc.. 

Families are also able to direct message teachers and administration using the app. Families can view their billing account at any time when they log into their child's account, print receipts and download their year end tax form at the end of each year as well. 

Announcements are sent through the app as well as monthly newsletters and events to keep you informed on aspects of the program.

At Hilltop School, we believe in giving your child the highest quality of care and that means hiring quality staff who have a background in Early Childhood Education. 

All new employees at Hilltop School go through the same interview process and new hire orientation. Each new employee is screened through fingerprinting and background checks via DHHS and Childcare Licensing as required by the State of Maine prior to their first day. At least 3 references are also checked for every candidate.   

Hilltop School employs 11 classroom teachers, 3 float teachers, and substitutes.  All lead teachers are required to have either a CDA, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. We require all teaching staff to be enrolled in the Maine Roads to Quality program and be at least a level 5.   Hilltop School has 3 administrative staff members- an Executive Director, Curriuclum Coordinator, and an Office Coordinator.    Hilltop School also employs a morning maintenance coordinator. 

 All positions must possess the required qualifications through the State of Maine. 

All teaching staff and administrative staff are required to hold current certifications in Pediatric and Child First Aid and CPR and participate in an additional 40 hours of professional development per year.   

 Our playground is thoughtfully designed with a variety of engaging features, including swings, slides, tunnels, bridges, and a corkscrew. We continually enhance the space with additional elements to further captivate children's imaginations and encourage active play. Outdoor play on the playground offers invaluable opportunities for physical and motor skill development, social interaction, and the cultivation of friendships. It promotes group collaboration, cooperative play, and problem-solving, while providing multisensory experiences that support cognitive and emotional growth in ways that a traditional classroom environment cannot. 

 At Hilltop School, we integrate Nature-Based Education into our daily curriculum, fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world. Our nature-inspired playground encourages creativity and imaginative play, offering a variety of engaging features. Children can gather in the group meeting area, explore the large digging zone, create in the mud kitchen, set sail on the play boat, or construct in the outdoor block-building space. Additional elements include a footbridge, climbing stumps, a natural balance beam, and a scenic rock path. Soon, we hope to enhance the space further with an outdoor music area and a water wall. 

 Our woods exploration area provides children with a rich, hands-on environment to learn and grow in nature. This space encourages curiosity and physical activity through a variety of activities such as short hikes, leaf jumping, tree climbing, and scavenger hunts. Children can observe wildlife, collect natural materials, and use magnifying glasses to discover insects. They’ll explore tree trunks, lift rocks to uncover hidden creatures, and build forts with collected sticks. This outdoor experience fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the natural world. 

   We believe in creating the healthiest environment possible for our staff and families at our program. Hilltop School has a fresh air exchanger system installed throughout the building and in each classroom.  This system provides superior ventilation and better air quality. The exchanger continually renews the air by bringing in fresh outside air. Air exchangers also help decrease illnesses. 

 Children need lots of opportunities for physical activity, both for good health and skill building. The large exercise room provides the space and equipment for children to engage in indoor gross motor activities. Children develop their balance, muscle coordination and spatial awareness as they move over, under and around the equipment.  Development of gross motor skills is the beginning of all other skills, including reading, math and language skills. 

* We are not currently able to use the third floor, however, teachers are able to utilize items from the gross motor room within their classrooms. 

 There is time scheduled every week for classes to visit the imagination station.  The Imagination Station offers the choice of many different activities. Children may choose to play with the dollhouse and tabletop train set, as well as other exciting activities such as block building, acting out a story with the puppet theatre, or playing in the pretend market.  A large chalkboard is also available for children to practice their writing. Imagination station activities are periodically changed to keep the area new and exciting. 

*We are not currently able to use the third floor, however, teachers are able to utilize items from the gross motor room within their classrooms.