Jefferson Elementary School
Grades: Childcare - Grade 2 | Manistee Area Public Schools
Welcome to Childcare at Jefferson
Childcare, Pre-K & GSRP
Nurturing our youngest learners as they begin their school experience, we make the classroom experience fun and rewarding. Our practical tools help your student begin on the right foot.
Please Note!
Jefferson Elementary School will be home to MAPS Childcare, Preschool, GSRP, and Kindergarten to Grade 2 for the 2023/24 school year while the consolidated elementary school building is under construction.


Your Childcare and Preschool Team
View Childcare, Preschool & GSRP Staff
Childcare, Preschool & GSRP Staff - 231-398-3758
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
Julie Zajac - Daycare Lead jzajac@manistee.org
Brittan Manke - Daycare bmanke@manistee.org
MAPS Great Start Readiness Program Staff - 231-398-3757
Amy Brown, Lead Teacher abrown@manistee.org
Renee Turmel, Lead Teacher abrown@manistee.org
Ashley Johnson Classroom Helper akjohnson@manistee.org
Brenda Struble, GSRP Teacher Assistant bstruble@manistee.org
Nancy Zatarga, GSRP nzatarga@manistee.org
Location: 515 Bryant Avenue Manistee, MI 49660 | Map
Telephone: 231-723-9285
Fax: 231-398-2021
School Office Hours: M-Th: 7:30am – 4pm, Friday 7:30am – 3pm
Administrative Team
Principal: Julia Raddatz – raddatzj@manistee.org
Administrative Assistant: Amy Miller – amiller@manistee.org
Registering for Pre-School or Kindergarten Begins Here!
Register Now!
Pre-School Entry
Will your child be (three) 3 years old or (four) 4 years old on September 1, 2023?
If yes, click the button below to share your information to start the registration process for Pre-School.
Kindergarten Entry
Will your child be (five) 5 years old on or before Sept 1, 2023?
If yes, click the button below to share your information to start the registration process for Kindergarten.

Your Child’s Journey Begins Here!
Commitment to our MAPS family….
- Responsible citizens who are ethical, productive members of a global society; take responsibility for their own actions and physical well-being; are environmentally conscious; and contribute their time; energies, and talents for the improvement of their community and the quality of life for all.
- Effective communicators who posses skills in written, visual, and spoken skills.
- Self-confident individuals who demonstrate a positive self-image and are caring, sensitive and flexible human beings. Life long learners understand that learning is a process, not an event.

MAPS Preschool
Located at Jefferson Elementary School, MAPS Preschool has been a vital part of Manistee Area Public Schools early learners for over 15 years. Our program has been rated a 4 Star program from the Great Start to Quality rating system.
At MAPS, Mariner families are afforded the resources necessary to determine the best starting point for their young learners. MAPS offers a variety of programs tailored to the student and family needs.
If you have any further questions please call 398-3758 or email sludwig@manistee.org.

MAPS GSRP

MAPS After School Care Program
MAPS After School Care Program is available at Jefferson Elementary School for MAPS students ages 5 to 12. Transportation to Jefferson from other MAPS district buildings is available. Summer care is also available. For more information please contact: Sandy Ludwig – Pre-School Teacher & After School Program – sludwig@manistee.org
Face-to-Face Home School
MAPS offers Home to School Classes each Wednesday. Courses are designed to encourage all area children, including MAPS students, to engage in the public school setting once a week for socialization, learning, and strong parent participation. Art, lifetime activities (gym, aerobics, swim, and introduction to Taekwondo), drama, and choir courses are offered between 9:00am and 2:15pm each Wednesday.