Our general age range is 2-3 years. As two year olds, we are in the midst of a big internal transition/struggle on our way to independence. We are very willing to do things all by ourselves, but at the same time we don’t want to let go of that familiarity of our parents/ guardians doing things for us. We don’t want to lose that need for our parents. This is what causes many tantrums and power struggles during this age. Plus, we are also learning to potty in the big toilet. We are growing and learning at the quickest rate since we were infants. We love to play with our friends, and are developing bonds with them. Our teachers provide us with a clean and stimulating environment, which includes projects (art, science, cooking and math) as well as group time, circle time and outside time. Our teachers observe and record our daily activities. Our parents/guardians are expected to call and let our teachers know if we will be absent for any reason. Our parents/guardians provide our diapers/Pull-Ups/underwear and wipes, as well as at least two sets of extra clothes and all weather-appropriate outdoor gear, including hats, gloves, snow pants and boots for winter. Please feel free to call 277-9990 to schedule a tour of our classroom.

Schedule for the Duck Room

7:00-8:45 Drop off time in the Duck Room / Free Choice and Table Activities
8:45-9:15 Breakfast
9:15-9:45 Toileting / Diapering / Free Choice Time
9:45-10:45 Small Group and Circle Time
10:45-11:15 Clean Up Time
11:15-11:45 Outside Time
11:45-12:30 Lunch Time
12:30-3:30 Diapering / Toileting / Nap / Quiet Activities
3:30-4:00 Snack Time
4:00-4:30 Choice Time
4:30-5:15 Outside / Large Motor Time
5:15-6:00 Late Snack / Pick up Time

*Scheduled times may vary during the winter months

Biography's:

Name: TJ

1. Born/Raised: Madison, WI

2. Family: Mom-Margaret, Dad-Terry, Brother-Shannon, Sister-Bridget

3. Hobbies: I love listening to music, playing basketball, skateboarding and going to concerts.

4. Education: I attended UW Madison for two years studying child psychology. I also attended an NAEYC conference in New York City, as well as attending several other early childhood classes and conferences.

5. Experience: I have worked for three years at city, state and nationally accredited child care centers in Madison, as well as my time here at Animal Crackers.

6. Years in the field: 5 1/2

7. Years at Animal Crackers: I was hired on 3-17-03

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? I found that working with children gives you a unique perspective that is often lost in the adult world.

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with? As the float, I thoroughly enjoy being able to work with all ages, and seeing the similarities and differences as children get older. It’s amazing how quickly they learn and grow.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? Going on trips out west.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? “Something Beautiful” by Sharon Dennis Wyath. It tells a story of self-empowerment and making a change no matter how small it is.

12. Tell us something surprising about you that we wouldn’t otherwise guess about you? I Attended Carnival in Brazil and lived there for six months during last semester of senior year in high school.

Back to the top

Name: Ramona

1. Born/Raised: Lodi, WI

2. Family: Mom: Barb, Dad: Parnell, Sister: Morgan, Brother-In-Law: Eric,
Nephew: Sebastian & Niece: Natasha

3. Hobbies: I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, camping and
relaxing on the beach.

4. Education: Child Care Assistant Teacher, Child Care teacher, Infant Toddler Certificate, and many othec certificates from MATC

5. Experience: Since gaining my education, I have worked in a variety of Child Care Centers in the Madison area.  Most of my career has been spent with Infants and Toddlers, But I have worked with all ages.

6. Years in the field: Six years

7. Start date at Animal Crackers Inc.: I was hired on 6-18-07

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? I enjoyed babysitting when I was 12 and decided to take a more professional role in the care of children.

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with? I enjoy seeing the infants reach different developmental milestones, and seeing the joy on their face when they accomplish each one.  I also enjoy seeing toddlers get excited when they figure something out that they have been working on for a long time.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? Just hanging out with my sister and our friends  I  loved going on camping trips to various states with my sister, counsins and Grandparents.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? "Guess how much I love you" Because it is a great story about a mothers love for her child, and in turn, the childs love for her mother.  It’s put in a context that is easy for even the youngest children to understand and relate to.

12. Tell us something surprising about you that we wouldn't otherwise guess? If I had not said anything earlier in this profile, I would say you wouldn’t guess that Morgan is my sister!

Back to the top