Our Preschool Pathways Classroom
Our Preschool Pathways program provides a “bridge” between our Early Preschool and Preschool classrooms for children whose birthdays will ultimately miss the cutoff date for kindergarten entrance. By identifying those children early, we can help them stay with a consistent group of peers through preschool, pre-K and kindergarten.
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 Preschool Pathways Classroom Teachers & Staff
Maria Galarza
Ms. Maria Galarza joined us as a Toddler Support Teacher in May 2021. Ms. Galarza has her Associates Degree Early Childhood Education at Elgin Community College. Ms. Galarza has more than five years of experience working with children, and this is her first child care setting. She currently serves as a Preschool Pathways (two’s and three’s) classroom.
Briana Arand
Ms. Briana Arand joined the Primrose St. Charles West team in June 2021. She holds an associate’s degree from Waubonsee Community College. Ms. Arand is driven to work in Early Childhood Education (ECE) by her passion for teaching students new concepts. She finds great joy in watching her students grow and develop, observing how their minds progress each day, which makes her work both fun and rewarding.
A few fun facts about Ms. Arand include her love for playing softball, riding motorcycles, and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys quality time with her son.
