Potomac offers new preschool program

POTOMAC - Potomac School is offering a preschool program this year. Jodi Hausmann teaches the Potomac Early Learning Program in the Potomac School Library and History Center.

The preschool program is part of Potomac School and funded by the Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project Grant. Potomac School was one of 21 Montana schools awarded the grant. There have been preschool and nursery programs throughout the years in Potomac including Little Lambs Preschool, Bear Creek Daycare and other daycares that offered preschool classes but nothing recently affiliated with Potomac School.

Hausmann is a certified teacher and previously taught kindergarten and first grade in Stevensville for 13 years before moving to Potomac.

"We have all [the Hausmann family] loved living in the area and getting to know the community," she said.

Hausmann decided to propose a preschool program to Potomac School.

"There are very few opportunities in [the Potomac] area for our youngest learners," Hausmann said. "Unbeknownst to me, the school was already looking at starting a preschool program with their literacy grant funds so it was the right fit at the right time."

The school board hired Hausmann as a part-time teacher. Classes are weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. for children ages two to four.

The curriculum is based on fundamental alphabetic and numeric concepts which are taught through well-loved children's stories, simple songs, movement and basic arts and crafts.

A new letter or number guides the student's projects each week. Sometimes their work adorns the library's door that users enjoy. The 10 to 12 regular students also celebrate holidays with special snacks and projects according to Hausmann.

"We incorporate necessary early learning social skills including sitting in a circle, standing in line and waiting your turn that preschool age children need before entering kindergarten," Hausmann said.

The students' parents attend and assist their children in certain activities because it is a parent-participation class. This means parents are to attend certain project days with their student and work together with Hausmann and the class.

Hausmann said one of the biggest challenges is keeping her young students engaged in the lessons, "I try to modify my lessons based on how the group responds and keep a flexible plan for the day's activities."

"I enjoy watching early learners succeed at a new skill or task," said Hausmann, who finds that process always rewarding. "Children this age are hilarious so that's an added benefit to working with preschoolers."