Post Messenger Recorder -

In August, Verona businessperson Ann Schmitz purchased the former Belleville Elementary School with plans to open a second Once Upon a Time preschool and childcare center. The first Once Upon a Time facility opened in Verona in 2006.

"A year ago, after the La Petite closed in Belleville, the pandemic hit, and schools were closing, along with the new housing growth in the area, it seemed that Belleville would need additional childcare options," said Schmitz, whose background is in business management as well as education.

The Director of Once Upon a Time Schoolhouse Preschool & Childcare, LLC is Leslie Brugger, who grew up and lives in Monticello with her husband, Todd. Brugger worked at the Verona location for the last 14 years as a teacher for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old classrooms.

"I have always wanted to own a childcare center," said Brugger who has a degree in Early Childhood Education and an Administrator's Credential in Early Childhood. "Ann knew this and offered me the opportunity to manage the new Belleville location."

Schmitz said that the school was in very good condition when she bought it and it is in a central location in the village.

"The School District of Belleville facilities team took great care of the building," added Schmitz. "It was empty for the last three years or so, so it needed paint, cleaning, air filters replaced, etc. We painted, updated, and furnished the classrooms, and added a large kitchen. There are several rooms that are not in use and we hope to offer those rooms to the public for rent, including the gym."

Because of COVID-19, it has taken additional time to get approval from the state licensing and building inspection agencies.

"We are finally fully open. We are able to serve children 6 weeks through 13 years!" said Schmitz.

Schmitz explained that the staff uses the Creative Curriculum, which allows teachers to be creative in the lesson planning through a classroom structure of interest areas such as science, manipulatives, blocks/construction, dramatic play, reading, art, and more.

"Teachers plan lessons with specific developmentally appropriate activities for each learning or interest area weekly," added Schmitz. "Learning through play is a wonderful way for children to become successful and self-confident. Teachers plan fun activities with very intentional learning and developmental goals in mind."

She also explained that the teachers use the Pyramid Model, which is a social and emotional program.

"The early years are often very emotionally charged for children," explained Schmitz. "This model, and our teachers, help children learn to recognize those very profound emotions and offer guidance on how to manage those feelings. This program works as teachers observe students and offer positive praise and guidance before the big emotions start. Classrooms work on strategies to handle emotions during large and small group times, as well as independent practice. Then, when a big emotion begins, teachers offer reminders on ways to manage the emotions and students can calm down or take a break."

Brugger added that the children go outside at least twice a day each day, weather permitting.

"We have a large playground and some great playground equipment," said Brugger. "The teachers bring the classroom outside as much as they can by bringing art activities, books, and other items outside and teachers have planned activities to keep children engaged outside in small and large group activities."

"We know that children learn best through play," said Schmitz. "Our teachers plan activities so that children think they are just having fun, but the teachers actually have an intentional plan for developmental growth," she explained. "The social and emotional well-being of children is our focus. We work to help children manage their big emotions successfully. We partner with families every step of the way working together."

Brugger explained that the staff also walk the younger school-age children to and from school each day.

"We also have a classroom for virtual learners who are either in higher grades who are not in school, or students whose parents do not want their child in school at this time," said Brugger. "The teacher in this classroom keeps children on schedule and ensures that they are online and engaged throughout the day."

Schmitz added that most of the teaching staff are from the Belleville, Oregon, Brooklyn, New Glarus, and Monticello area.

"All of the staff are experienced childcare teachers," said Schmitz. "We also are fortunate to have a music teacher on staff with an amazing music background and we have a wonderful kitchen manager who is excited to make wholesome and nutritious meals and snacks each day."

Prior to COVID-19, Schmitz said that the Verona facility had stringent cleaning protocols and she assures current families and future families that the following protocols are in place in both locations.

An entrance and exit strategy are in place so that parents drop off children at the main entrance door and then they exit through a secondary door to reduce crossing past other families. Additional staff members take the children to and from the classrooms each day.

All staff and persons in the building must always wear masks.

The kitchen manager delivers meals to each classroom but does not enter the classrooms. Staff wear gloves when serving food.

There is limited staff movement between classrooms. The same teachers are in the classroom each day to limit exposure with no combining of classrooms or mixing of staff.

Staff clean and sanitize common areas throughout the day. Each evening a cleaning company comes to sanitize all areas.

Schmitz added that she is a member of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce and that she plans to partner with the Belleville Senior Center and Belleville Public Library.

"The staff work closely with the School District of Belleville and plan to continue to grow that relationship," added Schmitz. "We look forward to becoming part of the Belleville community, partnering with families, businesses, and other organizations."