Zagbëgon: An Early Learning & Development Academy

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To inquire about registration, please email Zagbëgon.Enrollment@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

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 Important Dates

Zibé Room

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

Peshkwa Room

Kindergarten:
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 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

Elizabeth Milliken – Center Assistant – (269) 783-3197 Elizabeth.Milliken@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

Andrew Bussler – Zagbëgon Cook - (269) 462-4260 Andrew.Bussler@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 Teacher – Danielle.Hyatt@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 Shagok, written by Lee White and read by Rhonda Purcell.