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69 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N well-deserved reputation for warmth, expertise, and a genuine whole-child philosophy. Where some early childhood programs focus narrowly on a single dimension of development, e Little Dolphin School has always taken a broader and more nurturing view, supporting children's intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth. at comprehensive approach reflects a deep understanding of how young children learn and thrive: not in iso- lated skill silos, but as whole people whose curiosity, relationships, feelings, and bodies are all developing together. Behind that reputation stands a dedicated team of approxi- mately 52 staff members whose care and professionalism have shaped the experiences of countless Maine children and families over the years. e earliest years of a child's life are among the most formative, and the educators and caregivers at e Little Dolphin School have spent decades helping children build the confidence, curiosity, and social-emotional foundation that set the stage for everything that follows. For the families who have come through its doors, the school's care has left a lasting mark. Joining Waypoint Maine's established, mission-driven network ensures e Little Dolphin School is well-positioned to continue that important work — and to grow its reach and impact for gen- erations of Maine families to come. It is a natural pairing. Waypoint Maine's own story began with young people and a belief in their potential, and its expertise in supporting children with a wide range of needs complements e Little Dolphin School's whole-child philosophy beautifully. Becoming part of a larger nonprofit net- work offers the kind of organizational stability, shared resources, and long-term security that allow a beloved local institution to keep doing what it does best, free from the uncertainties that small standalone programs can face. Families can expect the same warm, familiar, high-quality care they have always known — now backed by the strength and reach of Waypoint Maine. e addition also deepens Waypoint Maine's presence in early childhood, extending its continuum of care all the way back to a child's earliest days. A family that finds e Little Dolphin School in their child's first years now has a trusted partner that can walk alongside them well beyond those early milestones, connecting them to a broader set of services should their needs change over time. In that way, e Little Dolphin School is not simply an addi- tion to Waypoint Maine — it strengthens the very foundation of Waypoint Maine's lifelong approach to care. Looking Ahead Taken together, the expansion into the Western Region and the addition of e Little Dolphin School tell a single, consistent story. Waypoint Maine is growing so that more people, in more places, can receive the high-quality, compassionate, person-centered support they deserve. From residential and community support across Western Maine to early childhood education for children in their very first years, and from a special purpose school for pre-K through Grade 5 children to clinical and case management services for children and adults, Waypoint Maine continues to weave a more complete and more connected network of care. 60 years after it began, the heart of Waypoint Maine's work remains exactly what it was at the start: helping each person build a sense of self, reach new milestones, and live the fullest life pos- sible — surrounded by the power of community. l P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W A Y P O I N T M A I N E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W A Y P O I N T M A I N E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W A Y P O I N T M A I N E Disclaimer: AI-assisted content. Human reviewed and approved by Kristina Billings, Manager of Events and Office Administration. " We are thrilled to welcome e Progress Center as part of Waypoint Maine. eir values, expertise, and deep community roots make this a natural fit. " — Jennifer Putnam, Executive Director of Waypoint Maine Top: Providing support and connection — Direct Support Professional with a member. Middle: A Waypoint Maine Ed Tech III with a student at Fraser Ford School. Left: A Waypoint Maine Ed Tech III supporting a student at Fraser Ford School during a classroom activity.