Our Toddler Classroom
An action-packed day full of fun and purposeful play helps toddlers develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. We know 1-year-olds are constantly on the move, exploring and learning through play at every turn. Primrose teachers use that energy and enthusiasm to foster cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills through engaging games and activities.
Nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts
Health & Safety
At Primrose Burlington, we know toddlers are explorers, which means they touch everything, share everything, and live fearlessly. Our health and safety practices are built around that reality.
- 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 gray areas.
- High-touch surfaces sanitized throughout the day: Toys, tables, and shared surfaces are disinfected continuously, not just at opening and closing.
- Individual cots and blankets for every child: Each toddler has their own cot and sheets, laundered weekly. Nothing is shared between children.
- Handwashing that actually happens: Handwashing is embedded into daily routines, before meals, after outdoor play, after bathroom time, and following hands-on activities. It’s a practiced habit, not a posted reminder.
- Ratios that allow real supervision: Our classroom ratios give teachers the ability to actively watch and respond to each toddler, not just manage the group.
- CPR and first aid certified, every teacher: Every staff member holds current infant and child CPR and first aid certification. All of them, not just some.
- Illness recognition training: Teachers are trained to spot early signs of illness in toddlers, and visual reminders in every classroom keep it top of mind.
- A Safe School Plan in every classroom: Our customized Safe School Plan, developed in partnership with Burlington Police Department, is posted in every room and trained on recurrently so teachers know exactly what to do, every time.
Our Toddler Classroom Teachers & Staff
Ms. Sandra Hansen
Ms. Sandra Hansen is a Toddler Teacher at Primrose School of Burlington, where she works with young toddlers and brings approximately 10 years of childcare experience to the classroom. She has completed early childhood coursework, and her years of experience have shaped a practical, attentive approach that supports toddlers as they build communication skills, independence, and confidence.
Ms. Hansen incorporates hands-on experiences throughout the day, including art exploration and projects, reading and literacy activities, outdoor and nature exploration, songs, dancing, and movement. She especially enjoys helping children learn new skills and seeing their excitement as they discover new experiences. She also places a strong emphasis on helping young children communicate with others and begin learning how to manage big feelings.
Communication with families is an important part of Ms. Hansen’s approach. She works closely with parents to support each child’s growth and learning throughout the year. Outside the classroom, Ms. Hansen enjoys spending time with her two dogs, taking nature walks, exploring her community, reading, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys trips to the beach and camping.
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.
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, and now a toddler teacher. 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. Sarah Lopez
Ms. Sarah Lopez is a Toddler Teacher at the Primrose School in Burlington, Massachusetts, where she works with toddlers. With previous experience caring for children from infancy through age five, Ms. Lopez understands the importance of consistent daily routines and attentive care during the early years. Her experience includes supporting children through diaper changes, mealtimes, nap preparation, and classroom activities, helping create predictable routines that support their daily development.
In her classroom, Ms. Lopez incorporates small-group literacy activities, early math experiences, songs and movement, sensory play, outdoor exploration, and art projects. She uses colors, pictures, and sounds to introduce letters and words, while nature walks give children opportunities to observe their surroundings and explore the world around them. She also supports self-help skills and independence, adapting her approach to meet children’s individual needs. Ms. Lopez values open communication with families and recognizes that children’s development is supported by the relationships among their teachers, families, and wider community.
Community involvement has played an important role in Ms. Lopez’s life. Through volunteering and community crafting, including knitting, she has found meaningful ways to give back and build connections with others. Her connection to Spanish and Salvadoran culture is also an important part of her life, allowing her to maintain meaningful ties to her cultural roots.
Gallery
- Active Learning for Growing Independence – including movement-based activities and hands-on exploration that build confidence and curiosity.
- Language Development Through Everyday Interaction – including songs, stories, and guided conversations that expand vocabulary and communication skills.
- Structured Play That Builds Motor Skills – including activities that support coordination, balance, and physical development.
- Encouragement of Social Skills & Early Friendships – including group play and guided sharing that introduce cooperation and empathy.
- Balanced Learning® Through Play & Guidance – including teacher-led experiences that help toddlers learn while having fun.
- A Safe Space to Explore and Discover – including engaging classroom environments designed for active, curious learners.
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