Zagbëgon: An Early Learning & Development Academy

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2026-2027 Registration will open on March 2, 2026.  

Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 3 years old by Sept 1
    • Tier 1: Pokagon Band citizens, siblings, and/or residents in a Pokagon household;
    • Tier 2: Other Native Americans;
    • Tier 3: All Other
    • Special consideration will be given to PBOPI and Four Winds employees

Zagbëgon: An Early Learning & Development Academy

Zagbëgon means sprouts in Potawatomi. Our Zagbëgon have grown from seeds and now have their own roots. Zagbëgon are peeking out from gokmeskinan (our grandmother earth) so they can look about their world and begin to form their identities and grow stronger with all of creation.

Mission Statement: To serve children, families and community by creating a safe and nurturing environment that provides social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and academic support.

Hours of Operation
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (269) 783-2469
Fax: (269) 782-8680
Address: 58620 Sink Road, Dowagiac, MI

2025-2026 Calendar

 

Peshkwa Room

Kindergarten:           

Mr. Andrew and Mr. Noden
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Zibé Room

Preschool:

Miss Kellie and Miss Mandy
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mtegwaké Room

Preschool:

Miss Tammy and Miss Dani
Monday through Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Team

Autumn Carlson – Site Manager – (269) 462-4327 Autumn.Carlson@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

JT Laraway – Elementary Education Specialist – (269) 519-6893 JT.Laraway@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Tia Paker – Center Assistant – (269) 783-3197 Tia.Parker@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Scott Woods – Bus Driver/Center Assistant – (269) 462-4330 Scottie.Woods@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Victoria Bickham – Bus Driver/Center Assistant – (269) 462-4332 Victoria.Bickham@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Donald Sumners – Elder Cultural Associate – (269) 462-4237 Donald.Sumners@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Shelly Galvan – Zagbëgon Cook –                       Shelly.Galvan@PokagonBand-nsn.gov 

Teachers

Kellie Wilson – Zibé Lead Teacher - Kellie.Wilson@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Amanda Galvan – Zibé Assistant Teacher - Amanda.Galvan@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Tamela Watson – Mtegwagké Lead Teacher – Tamela.Watson@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Danielle Hyatt Mtegwagké Assistant TeacherDanielle.Hyatt@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Andrew Bussler Kindergarten TeacherAndrew.Bussler@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Noden Thunder – Assistant Teacher - Noden.Thunder@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Recently, PBS came to  learn more about PALS, our Play and Learn Social. After a morning of videos and interviews, the final product is ready for air time! Migwėtth to Autumn Carlson, site manager at Zagbëgon Academy, Rachel Orvis, PALS coordinator, and SteVee Johnson, a Pokagon parent who were interviewed for the segment.

This segment aired on Education Counts in October 2024.

Neshnabé Mbokén: Monthly Book Reading

Each month, a community member will select a book for everyone to listen to and enjoy together!

This month's book selection is Stepping Stones, written by Carol Trembath and read by Cusi Ballew.