Jefferson Elementary School
Grades: Childcare - Grade 2 | Manistee Area Public Schools
Welcome to 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 and 24/25 school years while the consolidated elementary school building is under construction.
Your Childcare and Preschool Team
View Childcare, Preschool & GSRP Staff
Preschool Staff - 231-398-3758
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
3 & 4 Year Old Daycare - 231.398.3754
Julie Zajac - Daycare Lead jzajac@manistee.org
Brittan Manke - Daycare bmanke@manistee.org
MAPS Great Start Readiness Program Staff - 231-398-3757
Amy Brown, GSRP Lead Teacher abrown@manistee.org
Brenda Struble, GSRP Teacher Assistant bstruble@manistee.org
Courtney Gibbs, Classroom Helper cgibbs@manistee.org
Renee Turmel, Lead Teacher rturmel@manistee.org
Nancy Zatarga, Teacher Assistant nzatarga@manistee.org
Ashley Johnson Classroom Helper akjohnson@manistee.org
Nancy Anciso, Lead Teacher nanciso@manistee.org
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
After School Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
Morning Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Ashley Johnson, Lead akjohnson@manistee.org
Location: 515 Bryant Avenue Manistee, MI 49660 | Map
Telephone: 231-723-9285
Fax: 231-398-2021
Email: mapschildcare@manistee.org
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, 2024?
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, 2024?
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 Handbook
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 231.398.3722 or email sludwig@manistee.org.
MAPS Preschool Staff
MAPS Preschool Staff – 231.398.3758
Sandy Ludwig – Lead Teacher – sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka – Teacher Assistant – hiipakka@manistee.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes, in order to be enrolled within our program your child does need to be potty trained.
Can I pay tuition in a lump sum?
Yes, you may either pay monthly or for the entire year.
Do you go on field trips?
Yes, we use Dial a Ride for all transportation to and from field trips and parents will be notified as to dates and times of trips.
Can I help in the classroom?
Yes, we encourage parents to join us whenever they can. If you volunteer more than 4 hours per week for more than two consecutive weeks there are licensing requirements for the state of Michigan that will need to be followed.
Is there transportation?
No, but many families choose to make reservations for their child to ride the Dial-a-Ride at their own expense.
What is the earliest I can drop my child off?
15 minutes before class starts. We ask that you do not drop your child off any sooner then 15 minutes before class, as teachers need this time to prepare for the day.
Does the school need a social security number for my child?
No, our program does not need to have this information for your child to attend our program.
What does my child need to know before they can attend preschool?
No prerequisites for attending. We do ask that before school begins parents work with their child on the self help skills needed for toileting.
GSRP Handbook
MAPS GSRP
Great Start Readiness Program wants to support your success as a new Mariner. Don’t see what you are looking for? Just reach out; we are happy to help!
GSRP Staff
Great Start Readiness Program Staff – 231-398-3757 | |||
| Amy Brown | Lead Teacher | ||
| Brenda Struble | Teacher Assistant | ||
| Courtney Gibbs | Classroom Helper | ||
| Renee Turmel | Lead Teacher | ||
| Nancy Zatarga | Teacher Assistant | ||
| Ashley Johnson | Classroom Helper | ||
| Nicole Anciso | Lead Teacher | ||
| Sandy Ludwig | Teacher Assistant | ||
| Amber Hiipakka | Classroom Helper | ||
After School Care Staff – 231.398.3758
Sandy Ludwig – Lead Teacher – sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka – Teacher Assistant – hiipakka@manistee.org
Daycare Programs
MAPS offers before school, after school, summer care programs at Jefferson Elementary School for MAPS students ages 5 to 12. Transportation to Jefferson from other MAPS district buildings is available. For more information please contact: Sandy Ludwig – Pre-School Teacher & After School Program – sludwig@manistee.org
MAPS Nutrition Program
Get In Touch
Location: 515 Bryant Ave, Manistee, MI 49660
Principal: Julia Raddatz
Telephone: (231) 398-3758
Email: raddatzj@manistee.org