Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Primrose® introduces and reinforces new information through playful exploration, teacher-guided inquiry and rich discussion as they help foster Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. Your child will have fun every day as they play and learn important academic skills, social skills and more, because when they are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to learn a skill, they develop mastery.
Nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts
Health & Safety
Their health & safety. Our top priority.
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 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
- 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
- Monthly emergency drills so children and staff are prepared for emergencies
Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom Teachers & Staff
Ms. Dorene Folan
I have been teaching for 32 years, from preschool through sixth grade, and I have enjoyed every minute of being in the classroom, watching and admiring children as they grow and learn. While I may teach them their ABCs and 1-2-3s, they have taught me how to be more loving, patient, creative, and to have a better sense of humor. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family—my two daughters, two grandsons, Don, and my dog, Bruce Wayne—playing, eating, shopping, and napping.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 3 yrs substitute (K-12), 2 yrs Kindergarten, 10 yrs first grade, 2 yrs sixth grade, 14 yrs Preschool 3
Education: Bachelors in Elementary Ed for Kent State, Associates Degree in Early Ed from Cincinnati State.
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Making a difference in their life.
Favorite Children’s Book: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus By: Mo Willems
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Christmas Eve Dinner ( 7 fishes)
Favorite Family Tradition: Family summer vacation to the beach.
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home Dog “Bruce Wayne” Siberian Husky AKA: Batman
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Play games, shop, go out to eat, with my daughters.
Favorite Primrose Friend: Erwin the dog because he is about friendship.
Ms. Kayley Ratka
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy crafting and spending time with my friends and family. I recently started gardening with my boyfriend, and last summer we grew cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables. My favorite color is green, I love sushi, and cats are my favorite animal.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 2 years in childcare
Education: B.S. Human Development and Family Science from Ohio State University
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Building positive relationships with students and their families and helping guide students to grow and learn new skills.
Favorite Children’s Book: Goodnight Moon
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Celebrating Hanukkah with my boyfriend and his family.
Favorite Family Tradition: Decorating the Christmas Tree
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home Fishtank
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with my friends and family, watch new movies or spend time painting and crafting.
