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.
Maribel Moreno | Infant Class
Maribel Moreno has over 17 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants, recognizing that these early years are foundational to lifelong learning and growth. Maribel values building strong, trusting relationships with each child and supporting their individual needs throughout the day. She especially enjoys circle time, where she engages infants through singing, reading, and interactive activities that promote language development, social skills, and emotional well-being. Maribel takes pride in supporting each child’s daily routines and developmental milestones with patience, care, and dedication.
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.
Rachel Martinez | Toddler 1 Class
nfant 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.
Roxanne Rocha| Toddler 2 Class
Roxie Rocha has been a dedicated and valued member of the Laurel Heights Weekday School community for 30 years. She received her education in Early Childhood Education through San Antonio College and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate equivalent. Throughout her career, Ms. Roxie has invested deeply in the lives of countless children, building strong, trusting relationships and creating a foundation of love, security, and growth that continues to enrich the LHWS community.
Roxie provides a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where toddlers feel safe to explore, learn, and thrive. She works closely with each child to support language development, social-emotional growth, and emerging independence, thoughtfully guiding them through age-appropriate challenges. Her nurturing presence, patience, and commitment to early learning make a lasting impact on the children and families she serves, and her passion for teaching remains evident in the care and joy she brings to the classroom every day.