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 baby’s health, safety, and well-being are our highest priorities. Our Infant classroom is thoughtfully designed to provide a clean, secure, and nurturing environment where every child receives individualized care.
Our Infant classroom includes:
- Safe sleep practices that follow Illinois DCFS requirements and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, including placing infants on their backs in approved cribs with no loose blankets, pillows, or toys.
- Individual feeding schedules based on each baby’s needs, with bottles clearly labeled, stored safely, and prepared according to parent instructions.
- Daily communication with families regarding feedings, diapering, naps, and developmental milestones.
- Frequent diaper checks and changes using strict sanitation procedures, with handwashing before and after every diaper change.
- Daily sanitizing of toys, cribs, changing areas, and other high-touch surfaces.
- Individual crib sheets laundered daily and cribs disinfected regularly.
- Teachers trained in infant CPR, first aid, safe sleep, and recognizing signs of illness.
- Dedicated classroom refrigerators safely store each infant’s breast milk, formula, and baby food. All bottles and food are individually labeled, properly refrigerated, and prepared according to family instructions and Illinois DCFS health and safety standards.
- Separate bottle warmers are designated for breast milk and formula as part of our commitment to safe feeding practices, proper handling, and individualized infant care.
- Low teacher-to-child ratios required by Illinois DCFS to ensure attentive, responsive care.
- Teachers perform daily wellness observations and communicate with families regarding any signs of illness or health concerns.
- Our staff participates in ongoing emergency preparedness training, and each classroom follows a customized Safe School Plan with regular emergency drills.
- Access to our school is controlled through secure entry procedures, and all visitors are verified before entering the building.
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.
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.
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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