What is happening at the old Daily American building? Think kids, fun, learning

SOMERSET — One of the walls sports a mural depicting forests and a bear rising above it all in a balloon, while others portray solid vivid blues, yellows, oranges and greens, the colors children associate with troll movies.

When it comes to children, it is all about colors and hands-on learning, according to the crew transforming the front end of the former Daily American building from a newspaper operation to a preschool and afterschool learning center.

The child of Michele Fochtman, the academy is changing and growing daily. Still a work in progress, the educational adventure is much like the children who will be doing the same inside its walls slated to open June 3.

Why June 3?

"It is the first day of summer vacation," Michele said. "It is a good time to get things rolling."

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The slender ash-blonde, working in her stocking feet and sweatshirt, ready laughter in her blue eyes, moved a mushroom three times her size from in front of one of the murals that bring the sea and its creatures to life. A security expert sat nearby at the building at 334 W. Main St. He showed how a phone could be used to open the front doors. They both took delight in demonstrating how it works for a Daily American reporter.

A week later, still in the heart of planning and doing at the building, Michele and her sidekick, Linda Dangel, sat in the two-tone gray room, looked at each other, obviously taking delight in eliciting the name for the new enterprise: Top Notch Prep Academy.

Michele chose "Top Notch, what we want our kids to be," and Linda added "Prep" to the title. They both agreed on "Academy." It seems that being on the same page is what the two educators do.

Late at night when Linda texts Michele with an idea, Michele says she has already done it. And always, there is the LOL at the end.

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At Top Notch Prep Academy all the sections are based on themes. There are different themes for infants, 1, 2, 3 to 5 year-olds, and for the afterschool attendees up to fifth grade.

The themes are color coordinated - sage, two-toned gray, bright blue, Michele's ideas. Visualizing theme displays, Linda's ideas.

On a working evening, in the two-toned gray room, the big question is what color (or perhaps mural) will adorn the kitchen walls where the snacks are prepared and eaten.

Linda chortled, "You know, Michele, kids eat differently from adults." She laughed.

Linda obviously took delight in the next moment.

"I'm going to call it Snack Tent."

Michele smiled.

Linda is Michele's rock, according to Michele. Michele is Linda's rock, according to Linda.

They think alike.

They met about 19 years ago when they had offices beside each other where they taught at the Somerset County Technology Center. Michele has been an educator in the Teacher Prep Program for early childhood education for the last 12 years and is still doing so, while Linda, who retired in January, taught pre-engineering, drafting and design.

Although there is a difference in their age – "We are sisters from another mother," Linda said, trying not to grin. It doesn't work. They both laugh.

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On the reception desk two long-time stuffed friends, Tommy the turtle and Fang the stingray, appear to watch over the progress.

Linda took delight in talking about a rock climbing wall for 1- and 2-year-olds to be placed in the lobby. Somerset County artist Sara Cramer is working on the creation. Still in question: Its name. Everything seems to have a name in the academy. The children's library: Lookie Bookie. It goes on.

"We had to have them. How big and how gorgeous they are," Linda said.

Earlier in the evening, Linda sat among drop clothes and frames and gazed at one of the walls for some time. She was visualizing. Among her searches for props to galvanize the children's minds she came across colorful ABCs that individually stick to the wall, play music and light up.

She pictured it enticing the 1- and 2-year-olds. She envisioned on the wall the letters being placed by a child who had raised his or her hand to tell the teacher what letter it was and then being the one to put that letter on the wall and listening to its tune and watching it light up.

"They would want to learn," she said. She knew there would be a cost but the ABCs, well, Michele agreed. Another needed learning tool.

"She is something. She is wonderful," said Michele.

"I'm so proud of her. So happy for her. This is her life," Linda said.

Meantime the academy is progressing. Bouncey chairs with toys to stimulate infants' minds sit ready. In the 1-year-old section, tepees and small couches are part of the forest theme. In the 2-year-old area, real trees leading to troll land will soon stand, transferred from Michele's own property. Upstairs the section for 3- to 5-year-olds is planned, as is the afterschool section. First snack, then homework, then playing. A Lego theme will be the upstairs, in a way to not only build up but also to build out.

The Lego theme is Linda's idea. "My forte is decorating. I want the kids to come in and feel like it is an extension of their bedroom where they play, where they sleep, where they eat, where they phone their friends and all that. I want them to be at home right away so they will be ready to learn and so they will be comfortable where they are at."

How it came about

Michele has a principal and counseling certification and wants to use both in the education field.

"I'm a teacher prep teacher. I prep students to become teachers. Knowing what is out there, I saw a need for something else. I came up with the academy," she said.

Michele describes her professional role as "a privilege."

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She watched and learned when the technology center housed the Head Start program over the past eight years.

"My affection for children runs deep," she said with Head Start serving as a laboratory for her students.

"Whenever I encounter challenging days, visiting the lab, and spending time with the young children never fails to uplift my spirits – they consistently bring a smile to my face. At 50 years old, I am determined not to squander any more time in my life without happiness. These little ones have a remarkable ability to evoke joy within me, compelling me to create something extraordinary for them," she said.

"My commitment to education runs deep, driven by a profound belief in its ability to shape young minds and empower them to realize their full potential," she said.

Her passion was fueled by witnessing firsthand "the transformative impact of education," she said.

Michele witnessed the growing demand for high-quality early childhood education within the community and identified the necessity for comprehensive afterschool support.

The vision of a prep academy and afterschool program began to crystallize: Research, reaching out to other educators blossomed into the concept of a holistic learning environment tailored to address the varied needs of children and families in the community.

Her academy's foremost objective is to establish a nurturing educational setting where children feel cherished, encouraged and motivated to delve into their inquisitiveness, beginning from infancy, she said.

She plans to hire a staff of professionals who have a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to nurturing the growth and development of young children. The staff will come from diverse backgrounds.

"Each staff member will undergo rigorous training and continuous professional development," Michele said.

All areas are going to have their own curriculum, infant, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: all of it.

What can parents expect

Parents considering enrolling their child in the prep academy or afterschool program can anticipate their youngsters engaging in play-based learning activities tailored appropriately for each age group, along with amenities such as nutritious meals and laundry services for added convenience.

Michele's team of educators seeks "to forge robust alliances with families and the community."

In the afterschool program, children will have the opportunity to unwind in a structured yet enjoyable setting where they can explore new interests, receive support with homework assignments and participate in enrichment activities that complement their learning journey.

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The academy will provide regular updates on developmental milestones and provide events and meetings to include parents in the educational journey, Michele said.

According to Somerset Manager Michele Enos, permits for the academy have been approved.

The educators have been preparing the facility, curriculum and staff to offer a transition "from a home environment to our carefully crafted atmosphere where they can truly be themselves. I will consider this goal achieved when the children resist leaving at the end of each day, indicating their comfort and enjoyment in our care," Michele said.

Once the facility upgrades are completed, interested families can contact the academy to schedule a tour, meet staff and learn more about the programs. Prospective families can visit the academy's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Top Notch Prep Academy to open in former Daily American building