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
Your infant is the most precious thing in the world to you. That’s exactly how we think about them too.
At Primrose Burlington, our health and safety standards go beyond state licensing requirements. Here’s what that looks like in practice in our infant classrooms:
- Illness policy with no exceptions: Any child or staff member with a fever goes home and stays home until fever-free for at least 24 hours. No exceptions, no pressure.
- Sanitized environments, all day: High-touch toys and surfaces are disinfected and sanitized throughout the day, not just at closing.
- Fresh crib sheets, every single day: Infant crib sheets are laundered daily. Your baby sleeps on clean linens in a clean sleepsack every morning.
- Ratios that actually allow care: We maintain classroom ratios that give teachers the time to truly watch, respond to, and care for each infant, not just supervise.
- CPR and first aid certified, every teacher: Every staff member is certified in infant and child CPR and first aid. Not just one teacher. All.
- Handwashing built into the curriculum: Handwashing isn’t just a rule posted on the wall, it’s embedded into daily routines for children and staff alike.
- Illness recognition training: Teachers are trained to identify early signs of illness in infants, with visual reminders in every classroom to stay sharp.
- A Safe School Plan in every classroom: Our customized Safe School Plan, developed in partnership with Burlington Police Department, is posted and accessible in every room so teachers always know exactly what to do. Training and drills occur monthly to keep teachers’ knowledge and skills fresh!
Our Infant Classroom Teachers & Staff
Mrs. Sakina Pashayeva
Ms. Sakina Pashayeva holds a Master’s Degree in American Literature and is inspired by how Primrose fosters diversity and inclusion in the classroom. She values creating an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
Sakina is known for her empathy, kindness, patience, and persistence, qualities she brings into her teaching every day. Her goal is to be the best teacher she can be, guiding her students with care and dedication. Above all, Sakina loves her students and is committed to helping them learn, grow, and succeed in a nurturing environment.
Mrs. Usha Rani Mishra
Ms. Usha Rani Mishra brings patience, empathy, and a deep love for education to her role as an Infant Teacher at the Primrose School of Burlington. She chose Primrose because of its high standards and the culture of nurturing, compassion, kindness, and respect that is at the heart of the school community.
With a strong commitment to helping children learn and succeed, Ms. Mishra creates a classroom environment where infants feel safe, supported, and cared for as they begin their earliest stages of growth. She is passionate about fostering children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Ms. Mishra is excited to continue building her own skills and learning alongside her students. One of her proudest accomplishments is being recognized as Teacher of the Month in her previous teaching role, an honor that reflects her dedication and impact as an educator.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys photography, capturing moments that inspire joy and creativity. With her warmth, patience, and commitment, Ms. Mishra is a valued part of the Primrose team and a trusted partner in each child’s early education journey.
Ms. Lillian Bartlett
Ms. Lillian Bartlett became a member of the Primrose School of Burlington in August 2023, taking on the important role of a school-wide support faculty member and quickly transitioned into the role of one of our infant teachers. Drawn by the shared values and ethics of Primrose, Ms. Bartlett embraced the opportunity to contribute to a community that resonates with her personal beliefs.
A graduate of UVM with a BA in Food Systems, Ms. Bartlett’s academic background is a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being. This dedication aligns perfectly with Primrose’s approach to nurturing not only academic growth but also social, emotional, and physical development.
Ms. Bartlett’s choice to join Primrose is a reflection of her alignment with the school’s philosophy. Her decision was influenced by the school’s dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Her passion for supporting children’s growth and her desire to contribute positively to their development make her a natural fit within our Primrose community.
In her role as an infant faculty member, Ms. Bartlett’s patience and understanding stand out as some of her most valuable qualities. Her ability to connect with both children and colleagues creates an atmosphere of warmth and cooperation that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
Ms. Sharon Navarro
Ms. Sharon Navarro brings patience, empathy, and compassion to the youngest learners in our community. She chose Primrose because she shares the school’s values of providing children with a strong educational foundation while helping them feel confident, secure, and good about themselves.
With years of experience working with children, Ms. Navarro has developed strong skills in patience and problem-solving, allowing her to thoughtfully support each child’s unique needs. She is dedicated to helping infants reach important developmental milestones and to providing meaningful early experiences that support their growth.
Her proudest achievement is being a mom, a role that deepened her understanding of how important nurturing care and family partnership are during the early years. Ms. Navarro looks forward to building trusting relationships with families and creating a warm, supportive classroom where every child can thrive.
