Classes - Infant & Toddler
Infant Classes & Mobile Infant Room
Warm and responsive care is provided for the children in the Infant Class. Schedules are adjusted according to the child’s individual sleeping and eating patterns. A variety of toys and books are provided for indoor activity. Additionally, your infant will be exposed to various opportunities to develop both fine and gross motor skills. Some activities include tummy time, developmentally appropriate floor exercises, stacking blocks and other items, and learning how to play with different sized balls. Your infant will be exposed to emergent language development and literacy skills through read-alouds, singing, finger plays and chants, and engagement in conversation. The children enjoy outdoor walks in the 6-baby wagons and are introduced to nature and other outdoor surroundings. As the children become more mobile, they can enjoy the Infant/Toddler playground.
Rachel Martinez | Infant Class
Rachel Martinez has an Associates of Applied Science from San Antonio College. She currently holds two certificates, a CDA Certificate and a Technical Certificate. She is also a member of the Parent Advisory Committee at Travis Early College High School and has over 25 years of Early Childhood Education experience.
Mrs. Rachel’s career at Laurel Heights has spanned over a decade, from starting as an assistant teacher in the Toddler Class to now being the current lead teacher in the Infant Class. “Laurel Heights is my second family, and I enjoy working with Infants and being part of each child’s development as well as working with their families to reach individual goals.” She believes that a strong foundation reflects the outcome of a child’s abilities and accomplishments. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors-swimming, camping, and going for walks. She also enjoys the company of her family and friends and cherishes every moment she has with them.
Alma Maldonado | Infant Class
Alma Maldonado has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Texas A&M San Antonio. She has been working with children for several years in all different settings. Ms. Alma has thoroughly enjoyed her time working at Laurel Heights and says, “I want to continue to make an impact on the lives of young children in a positive way.” She believes all children are different and unique in their particular style. Ms. Alma is happily married and is now thoroughly enjoying having become a family of three! In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family.
Rose Saldivar | Mobile Infant Class
Rose has a CDA Certificate and a Level II Certificate in Early Childhood Education courses at San Antonio Community College. Her love for children and experience in Early Childhood Education spans over two decades. Ms. Rose is currently the lead teacher in the Mobile Infants classroom. She enjoys working with young children and says, “Laurel Heights is her second family.” She relishes her time working with Infants and being part of each child’s development as well as working with their families to reach individual goals. She believes that a strong foundation reflects the outcome of a child’s abilities and accomplishments. In her spare time, Rose cherishes being with her children. She also enjoys going shopping, going out to dinner with her family as well as arts and craft activities.
Toddler Classes
The children in the Toddler Classes begin the day with a block of time allotted for free exploration. The toys, books, and activities provided in the learning centers encourage independence. Many sensory experiences are included, such as sand and water play. Other self-directed centers include the dramatic play center, art center, library center, block center, and later in the year, a writing/fine motor center. Daily, teacher directed activities are also available in small groups. This might be listening to a read-aloud, singing a song or finger-play with hand motions, practicing a self-help skill, or an art activity. Language development is encouraged through the use of songs, stories, finger plays and chants, simple books, and listening and responding during every-day conversation. A classroom climbing structure provides opportunity for gross motor development and turn-taking, while the children explore how to use the tunnel and slide. The children also spend a portion of their morning on the Toddler playground. In addition toddlers attend Motor Skills class everyday for large motor activities, and Movement and Music.
Renee Style | Toddler 1 Class
Renee Style has a Child Development Associates and also attended UTSA-Texas School Ready Program. She is a member of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation and has worked with Infants through Pre-K for over two decades. Mrs. Renee states, “that her career at Laurel Heights Weekday School has been a true blessing and that she loves working with children.” As an educator, she strives to uphold the values and ethics of her profession as well as carrying out a strong work ethic. She believes children thrive with routines and consistency and prides herself on providing that daily for students, families, and the LHWS community. She believes that children learn best through play and promises to provide a safe environment for her students to “get their hands dirty, smell, and taste things that they never have and hope that they walk away with a sense of wonder.” She relishes in creating moments for her students to smile, giggle, and an overall sense of joy! She always promises to “let my students be who they were created to be” and believes that learning does not have to be a chore but rather a grand adventure of discovery. In her spare time, Mrs. Renee enjoys spending time with her family, listening to live music, and being at the beach. She also loves to do DIY activities and gardening.
Makayla Pedraza | Toddler 2 Class
Makayla has taught at LHWS for 4 years. Makayla has an Associate of Arts in Teaching and is currently enrolled at UTSA pursuing her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Makayla provides structure and models communication to equip students with tools to gain personal independence. She provides opportunities for imaginative play, social and emotional development, and fine and gross motor skills. Makayla enjoys photography and capturing those memorable moments, development, and fine and gross motor skills. Makayla enjoys photography and capturing those memorable moments.
Alex Hernandez | Toddler 2 Class
Alex joined Laurel Heights Weekday School 3 years ago. She is pursuing her BA in Education. Alex enjoys the safe and loving environment that children learn and grow in at LHWS. She nurtures and guides toddlers through challenging behaviors and supports children’s need for positive guidance. Alex is a Co-Lead in Training in the Toddler 2 Class. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, swimming or floating on the river. She is also fond of curling up with a good book.