Charlotte Jacobs
Charlotte Jacobs is an early childhood education leader and child care advocate based in Scarborough, Maine, with nearly 15 years of experience in the field. She began her career in early learning in 2011, progressing from assistant teacher to lead teacher and assistant director, driven in part by her need to access affordable child care for her own family. She later earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Southern Maine Community College, strengthening her foundation in child development, classroom practice, and early education systems.
In her current role as Program Director at Seedlings to Sunflowers Nonprofit Childcare & Family Center, Charlotte oversees curriculum development, staff supervision, and family engagement to ensure high-quality early learning environments for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Her work is rooted in both operational leadership and hands-on experience in the classroom, allowing her to support educators while maintaining strong program standards. She brings a practical, relationship-centered approach to leadership, balancing daily program management with direct support for children, families, and staff.
Beyond her center-based leadership, Charlotte is actively engaged in systems-level advocacy and community organizing across Maine. She works with groups such as the Maine People's Alliance and the National Early Care and Education Workforce Center to address the child care crisis and advance policy solutions that support families, educators, and providers. Elected to her local school board, she also contributes to public education leadership while championing child care as essential infrastructure. Her work is guided by values of transparency, compassion, and the belief that strong communities are built through collective action and investment in children and caregivers.
• CPR
• First Aid
• Southern Maine Community College - AAS
• Outstanding Early Childhood Professional
• Zero to Three Organization
• Child Care for Every Family Network
• Maine Needs
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people I work with. The teachers and community members I collaborate with have built a strong, effective team that makes my work possible. Their support has allowed me to remain in my Program Director role while also focusing more on advocacy.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay flexible and be willing to pivot. Working in education requires adaptability, as every child, family, and situation is unique, and success depends on responding effectively to those changing needs.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field that it takes deep dedication and a willingness to pivot at any moment. Working in education is both a responsibility and a privilege, as parents place their deepest trust in you to care for and guide their most precious people. It is a profound honor, and one that comes with great responsibility.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are provider compensation and the rising cost of childcare, which creates a difficult cycle where educators need livable wages but increasing tuition places a heavy burden on families. At the same time, funding instability has been a serious concern in recent years. However, the greatest opportunity lies in the meaningful impact we have on children’s lives through community engagement, helping to nurture kindness, respect, and problem-solving skills while allowing children the space to learn, grow, and simply be kids.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are transparency, integrity, and flexibility. I believe in showing up without assumptions and leading with compassion, recognizing that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have.
Locations
Seedlings to Sunflowers
Gorham, ME 04038