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
Toddlers are naturally curious and active explorers. Our classroom is designed to encourage independence while providing a safe environment that supports healthy development.
Our Toddler classroom includes:
- Close supervision during play, meals, diapering, toileting, and transitions throughout the day.
- Frequent handwashing before meals, after diapering or toileting, after outdoor play, and whenever needed.
- Sanitizing of toys, learning materials, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.
- Individual cots for children who nap, with bedding assigned to each child and laundered regularly.
- Safe diapering and toilet-learning practices that promote hygiene and independence.
- Nutritious meals and snacks prepared according to USDA and Illinois DCFS nutrition guidelines, while accommodating documented food allergies and dietary needs.
- Teachers trained in CPR, first aid, emergency preparedness, and recognizing signs of illness.
- Teacher-to-child ratios that meet Illinois DCFS licensing requirements to ensure every child receives attentive supervision.
- Regular emergency preparedness drills and classroom safety procedures designed to help children respond calmly and confidently.
- 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.
- Children with food allergies or medical conditions receive individualized care plans. Our staff is trained to recognize allergic reactions, follow emergency action plans, and take precautions to minimize allergen exposure during meals, snacks, and classroom activities.
- Medication is administered only with written parent authorization and according to Illinois DCFS regulations. All medications are securely stored, documented, and administered by trained staff following established health and safety procedures.
Our Toddler Classroom Teachers & Staff
Jonida Bezat
I’m Jonida. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am a mom of two children – girl and boy. I love spending time with them: talking, playing and teaching new things. Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a teacher, education became my priority. I have a Bachelor and Masters Degree in teaching. I want to share the love of learning & teach kids the importance of education. Every child deserves the best education possible. I hope I can an inspiration to all my students & help them succeed.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Korce, Albania
Childcare experience: 3+ years
Education Background: Bachelor & Masters Degree
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite weekend activity: any outdoor activities
Favorite children’s book: The adventures of Tom Sawyer/Mark Twain
Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the lamb
Hannah Mason
Hello, I’m Hannah. I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I love to help children discover who they are through learning and curiosity.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: I have previously worked with children through baby sitting, but I am pursuing a future degree in education, so I love to work with all ages.
Education Background: High School Diploma, and in process of obtaining Bachelors in Education
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: My favorite thing about children is their curiosity and willingness to learn.
Favorite Primrose Friend: Katie, the cat, because she teaches us about life skills.
Favorite children’s book: Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear?
In My Personal Time: In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my sisters and exploring new places.
Pinky Francis
Let’s get to know each other.
I’m Pinky. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I have been working with children for 6 years. My favorite part of working with children is watching them learn and grow. I love working with children of all age groups, but I most enjoy working with infants and toddlers.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 6+ Years
Education: Bachelor Of Arts
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching then learn and grow
Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Onam
Languages Spoken in the Home: English, Malayalam
In My Personal Time, I Like To: I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and crafting.
Cassie Ramirez
I’m Cassie. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been with the Primrose family for over a year. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would always play teacher with my cousins when I was younger. I love working with kids and I can’t wait to learn about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 2 years
Education Background: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst University
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching my students grow and develop as well as making connections with families
Favorite children s book. Where the wild things are
In My Personal Time: Spending time with my family
Diannet Rivas
I’m Diannet. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am happy to be a part of the Primrose team. I have been an assistant soccer coach for a few years and l also volunteer as an assistant teacher for different summer programs. Childcare has always been a passion of mine knowing that I am making an impact and helping them learn and grow.
Currently, I am also pursuing my Child Development Associate certification so I too can grow alongside our little learners.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 6 Years
Education Background: Diploma, Currently in College for Associates in Arts
Favorite Primrose Friend: Libby the Lamb
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing their personality develop.
Favorite children’s book: Love you Forever
In My Personal Time: I enjoy painting, reading, playing soccer and spending time with my friends and family.
Aleena Patel
Hello, I’m Aleena and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am in school of Bachelors in Early Childhood. One day I want to open my own daycare, and watch children achieve goals in their journey and grow into a successful person. I am very passionate about teaching children and building a trusting relationship.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 7+ years
Education: Associates Degree and in school for Bachelors at University of Phoenix.
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: To build and grow relationships with families and their children.
Favorite Children’s Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Favorite Holiday: My birthday
Favorite Family Tradition: Family reunions
Languages Spoken in the Home: English, Gujrati
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with friends and family
Karen Zamudio
I’m Karen. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I was born in New York and lived there for 8 years, and then my family moved to Illinois in 2006. Since the age of 15, l started babysitting my little cousins and ever since then I knew I wanted to work in the Early Childhood field.
I’ve been here at Primrose since we opened doors and have been working in the toddler classroom. Over the years I’ve seen them all grow and flourish!
Currently, I am also pursuing my Child Development Associate certification so I too can grow alongside our little learners.
Childcare experience: Babysitting for 6 years & 3+ years at Primrose
Education Background: College of DuPage
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Helping little minds grow
Favorite children’s book: What A Wonderful World
In My Personal Time: I spend time with my family and friends.
Luz Rosales
Hello, I’m Luz, and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have a one-year-old daughter who loves to read and play with her dogs. When I become a mom, everything changed, and I love it! I am kind, caring and love to have fun with kids.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Childcare experience: 4+ years (Daycare)
Education Background: High School Graduate
My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I like to make children happy and let them explore what they like.
Favorite Primrose Character most relate to: Katie the Cat
Favorite children’s book: Rainbow Fish
In My Personal Time: : I like to clean my house and like going on walks.
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