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. Taylor Jabour
Ms. Taylor Jabour joined Primrose School of Burlington in 2025 as a Toddler Teacher. She is EEC teacher certified for toddlers and brings a calm, responsive approach to the classroom that helps young children feel comfortable as they adjust to new routines, relationships, and experiences. Ms. Jabour was drawn to Primrose School of Burlington because of its strong reputation for early childhood education and its commitment to building meaningful connections with children and families.
In the toddler classroom, Ms. Jabour focuses on creating predictable routines, encouraging early communication skills, and helping children navigate big emotions in age-appropriate ways. She is known for staying flexible and attentive throughout the day, especially during moments when toddlers need extra reassurance or redirection. Ms. Jabour values open communication with families and believes consistency between school and home helps children build confidence and independence.
Outside of school, Ms. Jabour enjoys crocheting, spending time outdoors on nature walks, and caring for her dogs. Her appreciation for creativity and mindfulness carries into her work with toddlers as she creates engaging experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, and social growth.
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.
Mrs. Marelize Botes
Mrs. Marelize Botes is one of our toddler teachers at Primrose School of Burlington, where she brings more than 12 years of early childhood experience to the classroom. Before joining Primrose, Mrs. Botes worked with children from infancy through age five, building a strong understanding of early development across multiple stages. She holds a GED and has spent more than a decade helping young children build confidence, routines, and independence during their earliest learning years.
In the toddler classroom, Mrs. Botes enjoys watching children become more self-sufficient and seeing their personalities emerge through everyday interactions and milestones. She values creating strong relationships with both children and parents and believes communication and consistency help children feel secure as they grow. Her approach focuses on supporting toddlers as they develop social skills, independence, and curiosity through hands-on learning and daily routines.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Botes enjoys animals and has four pet tarantulas as pets, and also loves dogs just as much
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- 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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