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
Our school is committed to high standards of safety and cleanliness as we create a caring and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
- Requiring any children or staff with respiratory illness symptoms or fever to return home and stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours
- Frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of high-touch toys
- Frequent handwashing by children and staff, which is embedded in our curriculum and daily staff protocols
- Training teachers on common signs of illness in children, and placing signage in every classroom to keep signs of illness top of mind
- Daily laundering of crib sheets for infants; for older children, individual cots and blankets are provided for each child and laundered weekly
- Ensuring appropriate teacher-student classroom ratios
- Continuous health & safety training for our staff, including first aid and CPR certification
- Maintaining an up-to-date and customized Safe School Plan posted in all classrooms for easy teacher access
Our Infant Classroom Teachers & Staff
Ms. Mary Basnayake
Ms. Mary Basnayake is the Lead Infant I Teacher, at The Primrose School of Florham Park!
Ms. Basnayake has been teaching children of all ages for over 20 years. She moved to The United States from Sri Lanka, where she lead the Social Sciences department and taught grades 9-12. Since moving to the United States in 2008, Ms. Basnayake has worked at a Preschool as both a Teacher’s Assistant and Lead Teacher.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and obtained an Early Childhood Education Degree from the College of Staten Island. What Ms. Basnayake enjoys most about working with children is watching them learn and grow. Children are full of positive energy and she truly loves being around them! Ms. Basnayake is so excited to see her students meet new milestones each day. She said, “Working in a field I truly love, allows me to be a better mother and wife to my family because working with children makes me happy!”
She is looking forward to continuing her journey with The Primrose School of Florham Park. Ms. Basnayake can’t wait to see her young students learn and grow with her help and assistance.
In her spare time, Ms. Basnayake likes to cook her family’s favorite dishes and decorate her home!
Ms. Leigh Chester
Hi, my name is Ms. Leigh, and I have been working in childcare for three years. I am currently attending Montclair State University, where I am studying psychology. I love traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I have a toy Yorkshire Terrier named Bentley, who is almost four years old. I’m so excited to be a part of the Primrose family!
Ms. Lourdes A Talavera
My name is Lourdes Talavera. I am a wife and a mother of two. I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, and shopping. Originally from Honduras, I moved to the United States 28 years ago and am fluent in Spanish.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children and love watching them grow and learn each day. My background includes working as a private nanny and serving as a lead infant and toddler teacher at various daycare centers. Working with little ones is my favorite job, and I cherish the bonds I form with both the children and their families. I am so excited to join the Promise family!
Ms. Ericka Almonte
I am passionate about working with infants and cherish being part of their first learning experiences. At Primrose of Florham Park, my mission is to create a warm and safe environment where every child feels comfortable and empowered to explore. I take pride in building strong relationships with parents, ensuring we work together seamlessly to support each child’s early learning journey.
