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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
About Lily Pad Montessori School in Chicago, IL
At Lily Pad Nursery & Preschool we are Montessori-inspired and developmentally-focused. Surrounding children with a variety of enrichment, stimulating the senses, and supporting a passion for discovery. Our Lily Pad Leap™ Curriculum mindfully infuses structured lessons into a child-led, Montessori-inspired environment. Children flourish in an environment that is language-rich, dynamic but accessible, warm and loving. Teachers encourage children to challenge their skill set each day as they transition from novice to master again and again.
Our Programs
Little Duckies (ages 6 weeks – 15 months): We promote fine motor, gross motor, auditory discrimination, self-expression, and practical life skills through Montessori lessons and materials within our Little Duckies prepared environment – which we refer to as “the pond.”
Tadpoles (ages 15 months – 23 months): At this age, your child will be introduced to the order and function of a classroom. Our Montessori lessons include the importance of caring for yourself and caring for the environment. We also guide Tadpoles in their understanding of cleaning up their work centers throughout the day.
Dragonflies (2 year old program): Daily lessons are designed by LilyPad’s primary program lead, a Montessori certified teacher, to prepare toddlers for entry into our Bullfrogs Pre-K program.
Bullfrogs (ages 3 years – 5 years): Our Bullfrogs classroom has a low child-to-teacher ratio of 1:10. Each child in our program has a personalized Independent Work Plan (IWP) – something unique to Lily Pad. We foster Montessori’s “uninterrupted work period,” in which children in our Bullfrogs program have nearly 2 hours of time to select, focus on, and complete activities on their own.
Contact Us Today!
Come visit Lily Pad Montessori School and discover how we nurture creativity, independence, and a love for learning in young children. Our Montessori approach fosters a supportive and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Stop by for a tour or give us a call to learn more about our programs and enrollment options. We look forward to welcoming you!
Programs Offered
Our Team
Brenda Quizhpi
School Director
Brenda is the Assistant Director at the Portage Park location. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for 6 years after learning the principles of taking care of young minds. She had an early childhood educator always tell her, “You can help all young minds with the patience and understanding you have for the children”. This always stuck with her and it led her on her education journey.
Brenda earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with hopes to expand her knowledge and continue her education towards a Bachelors Degree in Early Education and Administration. This foundation of knowledge helps Brenda grow her mentor voice, guiding her team in who they are and where they want to go. She will always work to create a safe and supportive working and learning environment for her entire community.
She has worked in many daycares in Chicago, but Stepping Stones opened a door to new early learning for her. A nature-based curriculum is not only outdoor learning; it is appreciating the world around us! As both a Lead Teacher and Assistant Director, she is in awe every day of the growth she has experienced since working with Stepping Stones colleagues, families, and students.
Brenda comes from a big family and they are always up to something! She loves to go out for walks in her neighborhood and explore new neighborhoods with her partner on car drives around Illinois. She absolutely loves to dance to all kinds of music with her nieces and nephew. As soon as the sun is out and the air is warm, she is swimming all weekend long and enjoying summer days.
Alejandra Barajas
Admin Assistant
I have been here for 7 years. I have had the opportunity to work with every age group and have grown very fond of the infant classroom. My favorite thing about working at Lily Pad is being able to create bonds with all the families. As well as being able to see every child’s journey and milestones throughout Lily Pad, and seeing them graduate. I am always up for trying new restaurants, as I am a big foodie! I love to travel any chance I get.
