Our Infant Classroom
We know the first year of life can have a big influence on a child’s success in the years that follow. That’s why teachers in your child’s Infant classroom provide a loving and nurturing environment as they lay the foundation for learning. This includes literacy; communication and vocabulary skills to help your infant better express their needs; gross motor skills and sensory development; and emotional well-being.
Nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®
Health & Safety
Our school is committed to high standards of safety and cleanliness as we create a caring and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
- Requiring any children or staff with respiratory illness symptoms or fever to return home and stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours
- Frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of high-touch toys
- Frequent handwashing by children and staff, which is embedded in our curriculum and daily staff protocols
- Training teachers on common signs of illness in children, and placing signage in every classroom to keep signs of illness top of mind
- Daily laundering of crib sheets for infants; for older children, individual cots and blankets are provided for each child and laundered weekly
- Ensuring appropriate teacher-student classroom ratios
- Continuous health & safety training for our staff, including first aid and CPR certification
- Maintaining an up-to-date and customized Safe School Plan posted in all classrooms for easy teacher access
Our Infant Classroom Teachers & Staff
Amanda Rodriguez
Let’s get to know each other.
Hello, I’m Amanda. I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I have been working with children for 7+ years, during that time I fell in love with the Infant classroom. I want to continue with my higher education and regardless of the career path, I will always want to work with children. Watching them grow & learn brings me tremendous joy.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 7+ Years
Education Background: High School, Child Development Associate (CDA)
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn and grow
Favorite Primrose Friend: Molly the Cow
Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are
In My Personal Time: I love spending time with my friends and shopping.
Lindsey Monahan
Hello, I’m Lindsey. I have always had a passion for working with children and have over 8 years of experience as a nanny and babysitter, along with 3 years of internships in Pre-K and 2nd grade classrooms. I love crafting and art, and in my free time, you’ll find me enjoying music, nature, and crocheting. And my favorite colors are blue and green. I am happy to be a part of the Primrose School of Carol Stream team.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 8+ Years
Education Background: High School, Elgin Community College
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Building connections and watching the children thrive.
Favorite Primrose Friend: Benjamin The Bear
Favorite children’s book: The Day the Crayons Quit
In My Personal Time: I love to Crochet
Jordan Callahan
Hello, my name is Jordan, and I’m so happy to be part of the Primrose School of Carol Stream team! I’m a proud mom of two and love spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to getting to know you and your family this school year.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: I have over 4 years of experience as a Lead Teacher, creating fun, nurturing, and engaging learning environments for children.
Education Background: I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Family & Consumer Science, which has helped me build a strong foundation in child development and education.
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love watching children discover something new and seeing the pride and excitement they feel when they accomplish it. Those moments make teaching so rewarding!
Favorite Primrose Friend: Erwin The Dog
Favorite children’s book: Pete The Cat
In My Personal Time: I enjoy playing and watching sports, as well as spending quality time with my family and friends.
Nimisha Thakkar
I’m Nimisha Thakkar. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have been working in childcare for 16 years. I have experience with all different ages of children. I majored in Early Childhood Educations and Northeastern Illinois University. I have been married for 13 years and have 2 beautiful daughters. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to working with you and your child as we teach them to reach for the stars!
Hometown: Hanover Park
Childcare experience:16 years
Education Background: Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Italian Pasta
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my girls and going shopping
Favorite children’s book: Curious George
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly
Lakia Brown
Hello, I’m Lakia but I go by Kia, and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am very observant and quiet when you first meet me, but I will eventually warm up to you. I am kind, caring and love to have fun with kids. My eventual goal is to have my own business one day.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 1+ years
Education Background: High School Graduate
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Creating a bond & being able to meet their needs.
Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see.
In My Personal Time: I love to hang out with my family and friends.
Raquel Marmolejos
Hello, I’m Raquel I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I was born and raised in New York City, and I have a 3-year-old son who I enjoy watching him grow and learn throughout his sages of life. I graduated from Guttman College where I received my degree in Human Services. I also earned my Child development associate. I’ve been working with kids for the past 7 years. As a teacher I look forward to watching them reach their developmental goals and succeed in life!
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 7 Years
Education Background: Associate Child Development
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn and grow with excitement in class to everyday life.
Favorite Primrose Friend: Ogs “The Book Worm”
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish
In My Personal Time: I love spending time with my family, hiking and taking long walks.
Vanessa Arce
Hello, I’m Vanessa. I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I have a true passion for working with young children and creating a nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. I especially enjoy supporting infants and toddlers as they begin to discover the world around them. I also want to get my degree in Early intervention for children and hopefully build a career from that.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 5+ Years working in a daycare setting, primarily with infants and toddlers.
Education Background: High School, Completed 2 years of College in Child Development
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching children grow, explore new things, and develop their own unique personalities
Favorite Primrose Friend:
Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
In My Personal Time: I love exploring new coffee shops and trying out new restaurants.
Lisa Toutant
Hello, I’m Lisa. I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I began working in childcare since 2003. Began as a preschool teacher and for the last 10+yeas I have worked with Infants. I have a beautiful daughter named Lily who has non-verbal autism.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 22+ Years working in a childcare
Education Background: Bachelors Degree in Cognitive Studies
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love building a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. I enjoy watching them explore and develop new skills.
Favorite Primrose Friend:
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree
In My Personal Time: I love to write poetry and read a good book.
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