Sletvold has spent a lot of time decorating the classrooms in a style attractive to children.
This fall, parents of preschoolers will have the opportunity to enroll their children in the Jitterbugs Christian Preschool program. This new endeavor, located in the basement of the Sidney Church of the Nazarene, 606 9th St. SW, will offer a full preschool curriculum for students’ age 3 to 5 pre-kindergarten. “I’m starting this program to help prepare children for kindergarten,” says teacher and Executive Director, Michelle Sletvold. “I taught kindergarten for three years in Sidney and want to help in the process of preparing students to have a successful first year of school.”
Classes will be divided by age group into morning and afternoon sessions. Children from ages three to 4.5 will attend the Cuddlebugs classes from 8-11 a.m., while children from ages 4.5 to 5 pre-kindergarten will attend the noon to 3 p.m. Doodlebugs classes. All students will study a variety of subjects that will prepare them to do well in kindergarten. “Both the Cuddlebugs and the Doodlebugs will have the same curriculum but it will be adapted to their age groups,” says Sletvold. “They will learn all math concepts (sorting, patterning, counting), alphabet, early reading skills, cooking, science, art and have access to a smart board that teaches them up to date technology. In addition to the subjects listed, students will also learn basic Spanish and Sign Language to incorporate diversity into the classroom and to make everyone feel welcome. My students will learn everything that is expected by the State of Montana and what kindergarten teachers would like them to know when they enter kindergarten.”
She adds, “The children will have an upbeat positive learning experience as well as a structured environment to share, learn and laugh. At the same time, I will lay the groundwork to prepare them for future success.”
All students at the Jitterbugs Christian Preschool will also receive a nondenominational faith based lesson once a week.
Sletvold brings stellar qualifications with her to run a superior preschool. She has her teacher certification and taught kindergarten for 9 years total. She also completed her Master’s degree in early childhood development so she has an excellent background to get preschoolers off to a great start.
Sletvold’s assistant, Bobbi Jo Hackmann, also brings excellent qualifications with her to the preschool. She has 5 years of preschool experience and served as a paraprofessional for the special needs preschool for Sidney Public schools.
The opening of this preschool fulfills a long-time dream for Sletvold. “Teaching preschool has been a goal of mine,” she remarks. “I’ve wanted to do this since I started my Master’s program. The opportunity finally presented itself, all of the details came together, so I decided to go for it and have a dream and goal full-filled.”
The Jitterbugs Christian Preschool will begin on September 4 and will basically adhere to the Sidney public school schedule.
Parents can register their children at any time between now and September 4. Sletvold will also accept late registrations if space allows. Those who register within the next few weeks will have the chance to attend an open house. “I will have an open house prior to school starting to familiarize the parents and students with the building and general information regarding the daily routine.” Sletvold concludes, “The open house will also include a scavenger hunt to help the kids learn their way around the preschool.”
To register, parents may phone Sletvold at 406-488-2969 or email her at jitter bugspreschool @hotmail.com.
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