Author: Devon Zuleger

Portfolios

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At Meeting House, we believe children learn through their play. Teachers carefully plan activities using appealing materials, with underlying goals for each child’s development.

The goals children work on through their play are based on the City of Madison Early Learning Standards and the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.

Meeting House staff create a portfolio for each child that demonstrates progress with these developmentally appropriate learning standards.

Teachers gather evidence by taking pictures of students at play and record verbal explanations from children that describe how they are playing or what is happening in that moment.

At the end of the year, families will receive an electronic version of their child’s portfolio through the Kaymbu App.

Parents and children are able to take a look back at the development made during the year with feelings of accomplishment and pride.

 

Staff

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Administration

DEVON ZULEGER, Executive Director
Devon has been an active part of the Madison early childhood field for the past 17 years. She has held roles as a teacher, family childcare provider and most recently an Executive Director. She received her education from Madison College and UW-Whitewater, where she still attends. Devon continues to peruse her passion of early childhood development by attending classes focusing on leadership and program development.  Devon grew up in Madison and now lives in Windsor with her husband, two children, and dogs. On her days off she enjoys camping, gardening and cooking.

MO LANCASTER, Administrative Assistant
Mo started working at Meeting House in 2018. Having both of her children attend preschool here meant that she was able to see the school through the eyes of a room parent, snack helper, and board member. She spends a lot of time cooking and baking with her children. Besides eating related endeavors she really enjoys reading and anything that involves being outside. Mo lives in Madison with her husband, two children, one dog and three chickens.

Classroom Teachers

KARI ARCISZEWSKI, Three-year-old teacher (Room 1)
Kari graduated from Madison College with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught both at Meeting house and in the Milwaukee area before staying home to raise her kiddos. Both of her girls attended Meeting House and she herself is a Meeting House alumni! Kari lives on the west side of Madison with her husband, Ben and two teenage daughters, Abby and Ella. She enjoys spending time outdoors and can usually be found sitting in the stands watching her girls play softball or volleyball.

MEGGAN BEYER, Two-Year-Old Teacher (Room 2)
This will be Meggan’s 12th school year as a teacher. She has a dual degree in Early Childhood Regular Education and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. First having taught 4K as a regular education teacher in Oshkosh, then shifting to an early childhood special education teacher as part of the Brillion Area School District, and finally in the Kimberly Area School District. Meggan, along with her husband  and two cats, moved to Madison in the summer of 2022. They love the area and are taking advantage of being closer to their families. In her free time, Meggan loves to read, travel to new places, bike, and spend time at their cabin in St. Germain.

CHERIE CARVER, Two-Year-Old Teacher (Room 3)
Cherie has worked at Meeting House since 2004, and has been working with children and families since 1985.  She has an Associate’s Degree in Child Development from MATC, and spent 13 years operating an accredited family childcare program. A life-long resident of Madison, Cherie lives on the near Westside and has three grown children. She enjoys organizing, decorating, art and music.

JULIE CUSHMAN, 4K Teacher (Room 6)
After 15 years as a Meeting House Nursery School parent and serving as a board member, Julie has finally joined the staff. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education (PK-3 certification) from UW-Madison. She taught preschool in Illinois before becoming a parent. She has eight Meeting House alum. Julie lives with her family in Middleton. She enjoys travelling, walking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

TERA DISCH, Two-Year-Old Teacher (Room 3)
Tera began teaching at Meeting House in 2004.  She is a graduate of MATC with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Tera lives in New Glarus and in her spare time she enjoys biking, going on walks, doing hot yoga, and spending time with friends and family. She enjoys organizing, decorating, art and music.

PAIGE FLIETNER, 4K Teacher (Room 6)
After graduating with a degree in child development from UW-Madison, Paige spent seven years living and teaching in New York, NY. She also had the unique experience of helping set up multiple new preschool programs and worked with students ranging from ages 2 to 5. She is thrilled to be back in her hometown of Madison, along with her fiancé Alex, their three-legged cat, and their pet guinea pigs.

DAWN GEBLER, 4K Teacher (Room 4)
Dawn has been an early childhood educator for 25+ years in various settings.  She began her career teaching 1st and 2nd grade in northern California, then Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.  Dawn spent the best seven years of her life teaching and raising her own children at home. As they all became school aged, she started substitute teaching in MMSD, taught 4K at Bernie’s Place in Madison, and most recently she was teaching two-year-olds at SSMHealth Child Care Center.  Dawn is excited to come back to 4K at Meeting House, where her sons went to preschool. Dawn lives in Madison with her husband, Derek, and their 3 children, ages 14, 16, and 19. She says her kids are the best thing that has ever happened to her. The family also has two cats, Sol and Martha.  Dawn’s happy place is outdoors.  She loves to hike, going camping, riding her bike, playing in the snow, reading and playing board games with family.

KARI HACK, Three-Year-Old Teacher (Room 1)
Kari joined the Meeting House family in September 2020. She has spent the last 20 years teaching 3 and 4-year-olds at a City of Madison accredited center. Preschoolers are her favorite age group to work with. Kari received her degree in Early Childhood Education through Madison College. She lives in Deforest with her daughter, Brooke, their puppy, Stella, and two cats, Sophie and Fritz. She loves to spend time with her daughter, doing yard work, traveling and reading.

MICHELLE LEINBACH, Three-Year-Old Teacher (Room 5)
Michelle joined the Meeting House staff in 2001. She has been in the early childcare and education field for 25+ years. Before becoming a preschool teacher, Michelle worked with developmentally disabled children and adults in a group home setting. She lives in Marshall with her fiancé Steve and their German Shorthair Pointer, Wyatt. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, antiquing, flea markets, camping, visiting relatives in Iowa and spending time with family and friends.

KATIE NORCROSS, 4K Teacher (Room 4)
Katie joined the Meeting House teaching team as a 4K teacher in 2013. She is a Madison native, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota in 2007. She spent the following five years teaching preschool both in Minneapolis and Madison, and taught English to children in rural France. Those experiences made her realize Early Childhood Education is where her heart is! Katie lives in Madison and spends her spare time biking, doing yoga, reading, and watching the Badgers.

LISH ST. PIERRE, Two-Year-Old Teacher (Room 2)
Lish joined the Meeting House staff in 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s degree in special education from Cardinal Stritch University. She has worked in education and childcare since 2009. Lish lives in Cross Plains with her daughter, Layla. She loves to spend her free time crafting, listening to music, and cooking.

Resource Teacher

BECCA RAMEY
Becca is so happy to be joining the Meeting House family! She has been teaching for over 12 years (8 years in early childhood, 4 years in art education).  She holds a Master’s degree in art education from Ohio State University, and has taught in Ohio, Seattle, Oslo, Toronto, as well as here in Madison. When not teaching, Becca enjoys reading, hiking, baking, traveling, being in nature, and spending time with friends and family. Becca lives in Middleton with her husband, 2 kids, and their big shaggy dog.

Financial Aid

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Wisconsin Shares

Shares Child Care Subsidy Program assists families with a portion of child care costs while parents are working or participating in activities that will lead to work and economic self-sufficiency. Review shared funding eligibility here.

 

Child Care Assistance Program

Financial assistance is available to City of Madison low income families that are ineligible for the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program and meet the City of Madison eligibility requirements. Depending on your family’s income, you may be eligible for full or partial funding based on a sliding fee scale. Madison Child Care Assistance is directly tied to the City of Madison’s commitment to quality early care and education.

 

Child Care Tuition Assistance Program

CCTAP is available to UW students. You may determine if meet basic eligibility requirements by using the CCTAP award calculator. We encourage all UW student families to submit an application, regardless of the eligibility status produced by the award calculator. If you are initially denied funding, you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

 

Parent Helper Positions

If you are interested in being a Parent Helper for school-wide snack distribution and other light responsibilities, while receiving a tuition reduction, please contact Devon at 608-233-9776.

 

Scholarships

MHNS scholarship fund was name The Connie Johnson Scholarship fund in 2007 in recognition of our teacher, Connie, for her 30 years of service to the school. The school budgets $6,000 towards scholarships annually.

Interested parents should call the office for more information and an application form.

 

Two-Year-Old Program

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The Two-Year-Old program offers many opportunities for discovery in an environment that is warm and welcoming. Our focus emphasizes self-help skills, adjusting to a classroom routine, learning to play with others, and learning to be confident at school. 

Details

  • Small class size: 1:6 teacher/child ratio
  • Daily schedule includes free choice, group time, outside play/large motor time, snack time, and music & movement
  • Rotating thematic units
  • Teachers assemble a portfolio for each student demonstrating learning and growth throughout the year. 

Curriculum
During the course of the school year, teachers work to instill three over-arching skills that provide a strong foundation for the rest of their time at Meeting House Nursery School and beyond:

  • The ability to separate from parents
  • Self-help
  • How to make connections

Options

  • You may enroll your child for two days a week (Tuesday/Thursday), three days a week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)or five days a week (Monday-Friday)
  • Extended Care programs are not available for children under the age of 3.

Requirements

  • Your child must be two (2) on or before September 1 to be eligible for enrollment
  • Your child does not need to be toilet-trained

Three-Year-Old Program

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Our program focuses on self-help skills, playing and communicating with peers, dramatic play, process art, science and math activities.  The daily schedule includes free choice, group time, outside play/large motor time, snack time, and music & movement.

Details & Curriculum

  • Small class sizes:  1:8 teacher/child ratio
  • Child focused, play-based curriculum encourages children to explore their environment and develop a love for learning, while building confidence and relationships
  • Activities and materials are chosen specifically to help build a child’s confidence and encourage exploring and learning
  • Teachers assemble a portfolio for each student demonstrating their learning and growth throughout the year

Options

  • You may enroll your child in a three hour morning session (8:45 a.m. -11:45 a.m.) or a three hour afternoon session (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.).
  • You may enroll your child for three days a week (Tuesday/Thursday), three days a week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday), or five days a week (Monday-Friday).
  • You may also enroll your child in any of our Extended Care programs.

Requirements

  • Your child must be three (3) on or before September 1 to be eligible for enrollment
  • Your child does not need to be toilet-trained

Weather Policy

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 Inclement Weather—Children will not play outside when:

  1. The temperature is below zero
  2. The temperature exceeds 90 degrees
  3. Conditions are hazardous, as determined by the Executive Director

*Boots, mittens, snow pants, and hats should be worn in winter weather, as we try to go outside each day. Boots are also encouraged in wet weather.*

Meeting House Nursery School will close when the Madison Metropolitan School District closes its public school programs or its 4K programs due to snow or weather-related causes.

In the event of a school closing the following will occur:

The Executive Director will make the decision to close and will notify all Staff.
If the decision is made to close when MMSD remains open parents will be notified by 7:30 a.m.
Local television station (Channel 15 WMTV) will also be notified and it will be added to the school closures at the bottom of the screen.
If the decision to close school is made after the school day has begun school families will be notified by phone and email.

Illness Policy

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Illness
In accordance with State Licensing regulations, a child may not attend school if he/she shows any symptoms of illness such as sore throat, inflammation of the eyes, fever of 100 degrees or more, lice, cough, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, or other illness or condition having the potential to affect the health of others.

A child should be symptom-free for 24 hours and on the required prescription medication, if applicable, for the proper time to assure no communicability.

We will follow State Licensing guidelines and the guidelines of the Dane County Public Health Department with regard to illness and communicable disease.

  • A child who has been ill with infectious hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, or tuberculosis must have a doctor’s permission to return to school.
  • A child who has head lice must be nit-free before returning to school.
  • If a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be isolated within sight and sound of a staff member. The parent/guardian or other authorized person will be notified to pick up the child immediately.
  • Families will be notified in writing if their child has been exposed to a communicable disease.

Health Form
All children and staff will have a health form on file in the school office.

Medication
Medication of any kind will not be administered to a child except on written order of the physician and/or written permission of the parent/guardian. This medication must be in the original container and bear the child’s name, dosage, and directions for administering. Medication also includes sunscreen, insect repellent and diapering cream. “Authorization to Administer Medication” forms are available in the office.

Emergency Treatment
Written permission from the parent/guardian to call the family physician or to refer the child for emergency medical care must be on file at school (Emergency Card and Enrollment Form). This permission will be used only when the child’s parent/guardian cannot be reached.

 

MHNS Traditions

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Parent Orientation Night: At the beginning of each school year a general orientation meeting for parents/guardians is held at the school to introduce the families to the Board and Staff. Parents/guardians also meet in the classrooms with the classroom teachers. Teachers explain the classroom program, give examples of the learning that takes place through out the year, and answer questions. It is highly recommended that parents attend this very important meeting.

Family Night: Each fall the school has an Open House in the early evening for families, friends and relatives. Families visit classrooms, the playground, and have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments.

Child of the Week: This is a popular tradition in our older classes (Room 2 & 4). It is designed to enhance each child’s self-esteem by giving them an opportunity for special attention. During their child’s week, parents/guardians are encouraged to send in photos, share some time at school, bring in a special snack or share a family tradition. Parents should consult with the teachers for ideas.

Scholastic Book Club: Each month a paper flyer is placed in student mail tubes. There is an option to turn money and order form into the office or order online yourself using the Meeting House code. Each purchase in this optional program provides bonus points for Meeting House. The school uses the points to purchase books and equipment.

Birthdays: Families are welcome to send in a special snack or visit the classroom to celebrate a child’s birthday. Please be sure snacks are free of all peanut/nut products and have not been processed in a facility that uses nuts/peanuts. Some families purchase a gift for the school to commemorate the day and all such donations are always welcome! A “Wish List” is posted for each classroom.

School Photographs: In Spring school photos are taken. Class pictures and individual photos are available for purchase. A portion of the sales is given to the school by the photographer.

Week of the Young Child: Each Spring a week is designated as the Week of the Young Child. This is a national event sponsored by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). Fun events are planned all week that may include Pajama Day, Beach Day or an all-school sing along.

Special Person Night: On an evening during Week of the Young Child each child is asked to invite one special adult to attend an open house at school. This casual evening provides an opportunity to meet the teachers, explore the classroom and playground all at your own pace! Children typically invite a grandparent, mom or dad, close adult friend or a child care provider.

Fall/Spring Spruce-up Day: This is our annual playground clean up day which includes gardening, weeding, painting and repairing our building and playgrounds. It is a great way to socialize with other Meeting House families.

“Parents Night Out” Silent Auction: Local businesses (and families) are solicited for items beginning in January. We open an online auction format about a week before the event. The “Parent’s Night Out”, adult-only evening in April, is our live and silent auction event. This is a casual, fun filled of community building with other parents. The Fundraising Committee plans this event and strives to create a fun, pressure free and casual atmosphere for all families to attend!

End of the Year Picnic: This is an opportunity for families to bring a picnic supper and enjoy the company of other families and Staff members at a local park.