Atwater Bright Beginnings
Welcome to Atwater Bright Beginnings information page!
After reviewing this page, if you have any questions, please contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at 414.963.6913 x 4. Click here to watch a video featuring Atwater's Bright Beginnings Preschool.
SHARON MAIER, HEAD TEACHER
Sharon received a BS in Exceptional Education from UW-Madison in 1978, with concentrations in Early Childhood Exceptional Needs, Cognitive Disabilities and Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities; and she received Wisconsin teaching licenses in all three areas. Sharon worked for several years as a special education teacher for preschool-age children before taking a break to stay at home with her young children. Returning to teaching, Sharon earned a post-baccalaureate degree in Education and received Wisconsin teaching certification for Pre-K through grade three. Sharon has taught preschool, four-year-old kindergarten and first grade during the last several years in the Whitefish Bay, Shorewood and Oak Creek school districts. In 2004, Sharon welcomed the opportunity to design, plan and launch a brand new preschool program in Shorewood: Bright Beginnings Preschool. The 2004-05 school year was a very exciting and successful start to what has proved to be an exemplary program. Sharon's focus in teaching is the development of positive self concept and the encouragement of each child's natural love of learning. She achieves these goals by providing a stimulating, creative curriculum and classroom environment which enable each child to freely explore and grow intellectually and emotionally. Sharon has lived in Shorewood since 1983 and is proud of the excellent educations her two sons and two daughters received in the Shorewood schools, and is happy to be touching the lives of Shorewood's very youngest through Bright Beginnings.
Lorraine has gained valuable experience working as a kindergarten teaching assistant on an American military base in Germany, where she lived over three years. She moved to Wisconsin in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and skills to support the educational and developmental needs of children. During her time in Germany, she worked closely with lead teachers to create a nurturing and structured learning environment, helping children develop key skills while navigating the challenges of a multicultural and mobile lifestyle. Her work focused on fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth through hands-on activities, creative play, and individualized attention. Having worked with children from diverse backgrounds, she developed a strong ability to adapt to the unique needs of military families and support children through transitions with empathy and care. She is passionate about early childhood education and is committed to providing a stable, positive, and engaging classroom where every child feels valued and excited to learn. Her experience living in Germany and working on an international military base has given her a broad perspective and a deep appreciation for building inclusive, supportive learning communities.
Location: Atwater Elementary School, 2100 E. Capitol Drive, EEC Bldg, NE Corner
Teacher: Sharon Maier and Lorraine Bent
Classroom size: 14 students
Registration for the 2024- 2025 school year is underway!
2024-2025 School Year
Your child must be at least 3 years old by October 31, 2024. If your child will be turning 4 years old on or before September 1, 2024, they are eligible for 4K.
Day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Program Full with Waiting List Option)
Date: September 6, 2024 - Early June, 2025
Time: 8:30 - 11:00 am
Tuition: $2,000 - $100 discount if tuition is paid in full at registration.
Course #: 5290.1
- and -
Day: Tuesday and Thursday
Date: September 5, 2024 - Early June, 2025
Time: 8:30 - 11:00 am
Tuition: $1,600 - $100 discount if tuition is paid in full at registration.
Course #: 5290.2
2024 - 2025 Tuition Payments: A $200 nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of registration to reserve a spot for your child. Receive a $100 discount if tuition is paid in full at registration, otherwise a payment plan is available. If you only want to put down your deposit, YOU MUST CALL THE OFFICE DIRECTLY. All balances must be paid in full by August 1, 2024. Online registration is available, online fee will reflect the $100 discount (payment plans cannot be established online). No refunds or credit will be given for this program. For more information, please call 414-963-6913 x 4.