THE NATIONALLY ACCREDITED
PEOPLES CHURCH PRESCHOOL
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BASED IN NATURE
Nationally Accredited by NAEYC for over 25 years, Peoples Church Preschool embraces a nature-based philosophy and strives to connect children with the natural world whenever possible. This influences our curriculum and daily schedules, including the materials and activities available in both the indoor and outdoor classrooms. In 2016, Peoples Church Preschool's Outdoor Classroom received national recognition as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom.
As an urban Nature Preschool, our preschool classes utilizes the three-acre Valley Court Park adjacent to the preschool, MSU’s campus, and multiple nature trails and woodlots. We also partner with multiple nature centers located in our community.
NAEYC Accreditation
Learn more about the importance of NAEYC accreditation in this brief video.
WHAT IS A FAMILY?
Family includes a minor child’s parents, regardless of the gender of either parent. The concept of parenthood is to be liberally construed without limitation as encompassing legal parents, foster parents, same-sex parents, step parents, designated guardians, and other persons operating in caretaker roles. We welcome families to become involved in our program in a number of ways. Our educators partner with families to learn about your family values, culture, traditions and goals for your child. We provide multiple opportunities for families to become involved in the program and in their child’s education.
PLAY-RESPONSIVE vs PLAY-BASED TEACHING
Many schools describe themselves as Play-Based. Peoples Church Preschool has a Play-Responsive approach to teaching. This approach is seen as a joint activity where educators and children are mutually engaged in a specific experience.
Our educators know that quality play takes time, imagination and risk. It is our job to observe and then motivate children toward wonder, curiosity and joy. Dialogue is encouraged through listening and interaction. Children are guided to dig deeper and reflect on their work/play. Educators are trained to slow down, look closely and listen deeply. This allows them to gather data that leads to future lesson plans. These will then be based on the children’s interests, while incorporating experiences in language and literacy, cognitive, creative, physical and social-emotional learning.
Dana Johnson,
DIRECTOR
(517) 332-2885 ex. 4449
Dana Johnson began directing Peoples Church Preschool in 1994. The program became nationally accredited under her direction in 1998 and has remained accredited since that time. Dana specifically enjoys working on classroom curriculum, materials and equipment, and with classroom education animals. The program then combines these to create optimal indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Dana obtained her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University. She received Early Childhood Director Certification from Mott Community College in 1993, and a National Early Childhood Administrator Credential from the National Child Care Association in in 2006. She serves on a number of professional development and advocacy committees.
Dana is married to husband, Nick, and they live in Mason. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, walking with her dogs, and tending to her hobby farm. Her favorite part of working at Peoples Church Preschool is that every day presents new challenges and joys.
Michelle Clingenpeel,
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
(517)-332-2885 ex. 4455
Michelle joined Peoples Church Preschool in 2003. After many years as a Lead Teacher in the Twos Classroom, she moved into administration as the Assistant Director. Michelle continues to work with the children in the program, but in her current role she spends much of her time coaching and mentoring staff members, as well as handling staffing.
Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. She also holds an Infant and Toddler CDA through Lansing Community College.
Michelle and her husband, Wayne, live in East Lansing. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her two sons that live nearby. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, being outdoors, and crafting.
Lindsey Bramlet,
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
(517) 332-2885 ex. 4450
Lindsey Bramlet began working at the Peoples Church Preschool in October of 2013. Mrs. Bramlet is currently in charge of enrollment, tuition and medical/health records.
Lindsey graduated from Olivet College in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During the past ten years, Lindsey has worked with many different age groups and loves being around children.
Lindsey is married to her husband, Todd. They currently live in Mason with their son and daughter. The family loves spending time with family and friends, as well as many, many sports-related activities.