The Sunflower Room

To learn, a child must be able to play. By allowing a child to interact with items in their environment through play, the child will discover their environment on a personal level.  This will create an atmosphere of learning that will span the disciplines that will be needed in the future to become a productive person in life.  Through play a child learns math, science, vocabulary, social skill, cause and effect, as well as small muscle and large muscle development and cognitive skills.

Jaden, Sunflowers Teacher

Hello! My name is Jaden Delaney and I have worked at The Learning Gardens since the summer of 2018. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 2017 with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Through my degree, I have worked with children in a wide variety of age groups. I have worked with preschool, Head Start, primary grades (Kindergarten – 3rd grade), infants and toddlers as well as Birth to Three. I love working with children because it always amazes me when a child is working really hard on a concept and they finally are able to do or understand that concept.  To see their pure joy and excitement of learning makes my heart melt over and over.  I live on the Northside of Madison with my husband, Ien and my daughter, Artemis, who attends this center. In my free time, I love to read, take hikes, go swimming, and play games. One thing I like to disclose to all the families I work with is that in the summer of 2017, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I like to disclose this information because, somedays, it does affect my capabilities on a day-to-day basis.

Caroline, Sunflowers Teacher

Hello!  My name is Caroline and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since April, 2025.  I love working with kids because they inspire me to stay curious and watching their growth is extremely rewarding!  I believe children learn best through experiences, facilitated by high quality instruction.  I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2023.  I have worked with 5 to 14 year olds.  I previously taught 7th grade math and science as well as 1st grade in the Verona Area School District.  I am a Level 14 on the Wisconsin Registry.  I hold a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

I grew up in Roscoe, Illinois.  I have lived in Madison since 2019.  I have two cats and in my spare time, I like to paint, read, or try new cuisine.

I look forward to facilitating your child’s growth and development!

Favorite Quote:  “Students show up with incredible strengths and assets.  Kids are capable of much more than we think.” by Gloria Ladson-Billings.