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. Ruth Akontoh
Hello! My name is Ms. Ruth Akontoh.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a focus on Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. I have been working with children for over two years, and I truly enjoy spending time with students—nurturing them, supporting their growth, and helping them develop into healthy, confident individuals.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, who is proudly serving as an active-duty military member.
I was drawn to Primrose because of its wonderful team and supportive environment. I look forward to working with your child and building a strong partnership with your family here at Primrose.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 3+ years of experience
Education: Bachelor of Education in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Spending time with them and having fun
Favorite Children’s Book: Just Like Me
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Praying before and after meal times
Languages Spoken in the Home: Asante Twi and English
Pets in the Home: No pets
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Play sports
Ms. Nicole Klikuszowian
I’m Ms. Nicole Klikuszowian. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. Ms. K brings her outstanding knowledge and experience with working in Early Childhood Education. Her specialties involve the toddler classroom. Ms. K also had educational learning from Wilco Area Center and holds a certified childcare professional certification as well as attend Joliet Junior College. She inspires to teach children as well as inspire them as they venture off and explore the world.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 1 year
Education: High School Diploma, Certified Childcare Professional Certification, Joliet Junior College and Wilco Area Career Center
Favorite Children’s Book: 123 to The Zoo
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: None
Favorite Family Tradition: None
Languages Spoken in the Home: English and Polish
Pets in the Home: Roxy (poodle) and Fish
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Engage in dog sports and hiking.
Ms. Venkata Vedula
Hello all, I’m Ms. Vedula. All little bit about myself is, I am a mother of two daughters and enjoy reading as well as volunteering on the weekends. As a child, I grew up in India and moved to Illinois later on. My educational background consist of a bachelors degree in Engineering. While being in this field I have worked with children in home daycares for over six years. I am now at Primrose and look forward to meeting and providing a healthy school experience for your little ones. See you soon!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 6 years
Education: Bachelors in Engineering
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn and grow
Favorite Children’s Book: Harry Potter
Favorite Holiday: Diwali
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Pongal, Dasara
Favorite Family Tradition: Celebrate Indian cultural traditions
Languages Spoken in the Home: Telgu
Pets in the Home; None
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with my family
Ms. Izel Rumeli
I have over six years of experience as a middle school mathematics teacher in Turkey and have spent the past three years working with infants and young children in the United States. My background in education has helped me create caring, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support each child’s growth.
I love working at Primrose School because I enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and their families while supporting each child’s early learning journey. The Balanced Learning® approach and emphasis on character development reflect the values I bring to my classroom every day.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 9+ years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Teaching
Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Favorite Holiday: New Year’s Day
Languages Spoken in the Home: Turkish and English
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spending time with my family, exploring new places, and continuing to improve my English
