Mrs. Joan

Mrs. Joan Vladuchick has a BS in Elementary Education and a MS in Reading from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Vladuchick began working at the Co-Op in September 2002. From 2002 through 2006, she taught the 3 year olds at DCNS. In 2007, she has looped into the 4 year old class. Prior to coming to the Co-Op, she taught first, third, and fourth grades. She has three children and has home schooled for a couple years. She is an alumni Co-Op mom and has been active in our educational community in Dexter for many years. She has fallen in love with the excitement and wonder of the intellectual, physical, and social growth that occurs during the preschool years and considers it a joy to go to work.

Mrs. Vladuchick uses a “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum, which is specifically designed for pre-school aged children. It is a multi-sensory, age appropriate curriculum which the children find fun. Through this curriculum, they learn the letter names, the sounds that they make, and how to write them. This learning experience is presented as an initial exposure to the alphabet. In her classroom, the children are encouraged to learn, play, and explore through an assortment of activities that engage their interests, stimulate their minds, and improve their large and fine motor skills.

With love and attention, they experience the joy and challenge of learning to do activities by themselves. This type of positive interaction encourages the development of emotional, social, and language skills that enhances a positive self image. She is calm and compassionate with the fours, and they respond quickly to her warmth.

Mrs. Pam

Mrs. Pam Wittenberg obtained her degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience in education includes teaching 4th grade and subbing in grades preschool ~ 8th grade. She enjoys working with the little ones and loves their curiosity and innocence. “They are funny little people and they make me laugh every time I’m with them. I guess that is the best part of my job. It is fun and every day is a new experience with them,” states Mrs. Wittenberg.

Prior to teaching at the Dexter Co-op, Mrs. Wittenberg spent six memorable years as a Co-op parent. “All three of my children attended the Co-op and it was during this time that we met some of the most wonderful people who are now life long friends. My children are now 8, 11 and 13 and attend Dexter Schools,” said Mrs. Wittenberg.

Mrs. Wittenberg provides many different tools in her curriculum that enable the children to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively. They learn about letters, numbers, seasons, holidays and fun topics like dinosaurs and arctic animals. She also likes to incorporate enrichment activities by inviting guests into the classroom to do special lessons. There are many different toys, games, and puzzles that allow the children to learn through playing. Mrs. Wittenberg provides a variety of projects and activities in which the children find fun. She has combined the “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum with her own and is pleased with how it is working out. The HWT curriculum is specifically designed for preschool aged children.

Mrs. Wittenberg is a very happy person and laughs often with the children. She enjoys the “unique” qualities in them and enjoys the rapport that has developed between them. Mrs. Wittenberg is patient and calm with the children and very approachable.