Our general age range is 6 weeks to 14 months. We have a wide range of development in our room. Mostly, we are learning who we are, what’s ours, and how to use our bodies to manipulate objects. We are also becoming more and more aware of the people around us. Our teachers responsibilities include, but are not limited to: meeting our basic needs: feeding us, changing our diapers and helping us fall asleep. Our teachers also read to us, sing to us, challenge our developmental skills with activities, talk to us, observe and record our daily activities, etc. Our parents/guardians are expected to call our teachers to let them know if we will be absent for any reason. Our parents/guardians also supply our diapers, wipes, ointment, crib sheet and blanket, bottles, at least two sets of extra clothes, a pacifier if we use one, as well as all weather-appropriate outdoor gear, including hats, gloves, snow pants and boots in the winter. Animal Crackers has a deep freezer to store breast milk in, as well as a refrigerator in our classroom for thawed breast milk. Animal Crackers also provides formula, infant cereal, jar food, table food, and whole milk, as well as biter biscuits, cherrios and snacks. Please feel free to call 277-9990 to schedule a tour of our classroom.

Schedule for the Infant Room

Due to our education and training in Early Childhood Development and High Scope Curriculum, there is no set schedule for all children enrolled in the infant classroom. Each child is on their own individual schedule.
We do, however, check diapers every 2 hours and offer food every 3 hours or as needed.
We take children outside everyday that the weather permits. Naps are also on each child’s individual schedule.

Thank You,
Infant Room Teachers

Biography's:

Name: Jessica

1. Born/Raised: Beloit, WI

2. Family: Fiance Phillip. Parents Bob and Karla. Younger siblings Jenni and Josh.

3. Hobbies: Hiking at the State Parks, Reading, Spending as much time outdoors as possible.

4. Education: BS Child Life from Edgewood College

5. Experience: Internship at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Child Life Department. Nanny for two infants, Lead Pre-K teacher at Playhaven Childcare.

6. Years in the field:Since 2009

7. Start date at Animal Crackers Inc.: January 2010

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? I have always been interested in working with children and their families.

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with? Infants find joy in the simpilest things, every day they discover new things and a smile brightens everyone's day.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? All the different family vacations I took growing up.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? "Three Little Pigs" My grandparents used to read it to me.

12. Tell us something surprising about you that we wouldn't otherwise guess? I have been on four mission trips to different places in the United States.

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Name: Tiffany

1. Born/Raised: Chicago, IL

2. Family: Three children: Robert, Shaikobie, Shaianne and boyfriend:Shiloh

3. Hobbies: I love to read and spend time with my family and friends.

4. Education: I have obtained early childhood one and two certificates as well as my infant/toddler certificate.

5. Experience: I have experience with children of all ages through centers in the Madison area, as well as several after school groups.

6. Years in the field: 7

7. Years at Animal Crackers: I was hired on 6-28-04

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? I enjoy spending time with children and giving them the tools they need to be successful in life. I also have lots of fun!

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with?
I appreciate the love and positive attention that I receive from them.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? ? I have several memories of fun family outings my parents took us on; seeing the sights in Chicago.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? "Miss Nelson is missing" because it’s very funny how she changed her appearance to someone else to make the children listen.

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Name: Kristi

1. Born/Raised: Born in Lancaster, WI and raised in Cassville WI.

2. Family: Husband Todd, 2 children - Dalton and Olivia.

3. Hobbies: Reading.

4. Education: I have my Assistant and Leader Teacher certificates, as well as CPR, SIDS, SBS and First Aid training.

5. Years in the field: Since 1997

6. Years at Animal Crackers: My first stint was from 1990 to 1995. I returned to this lovely family in 2008.

7. What is your favorite childhood memory? Camping and boating on the river.

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