The Sweet Pea Room

Our philosophy is to create a safe and effective learning environment that is inclusive to all children and families. We believe that children learn the most through active learning experiences based in play.  Children learn with the support of adults and their peers. Each area of the room is arranged with specific academic and social learning experiences in mind. These experiences provide a challenge for different skill and ability levels along with the opportunity for success at any level.  It is so important that our children know they are valued, loved, and supported in our classroom. We are able to give them this by creating a strong bond and a school family through conscious discipline.

Jaden, Sweet Peas 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.

Nicki, Sweet Peas Teacher

Hello, my name is Nicki and I have been at The Learning Gardens since November 2023.  I love working with children because they are fun, full of energy, curious, adventurous, and keep you on your toes with excitement. I believe children learn in many ways using all their senses and by example from their peers and teachers.  Creativity is my favorite way to teach with lots of hands-on experiences.  I am passionate about art, babies, being creative, having fun, and making sure each child has a good day and learns something new.

I have been involved in Early Childhood Education since 1998 intermittently.  I also have helped raise all of my nephews and nieces and now my great-nephews and nieces.  I love working with kids of all ages. I am a Level 3 on the Wisconsin Registry

I have lived in Madison all my life except for a 6 month stint in Arlington TX.  I am joyfully married and I have 2 adorable grown sons.  In my spare time, I like to garden, work on craft projects, style hair, and spend time with my family. I love anything artistic, creative, and mind-expanding.  I love writing, learning, and teaching.

My favorite quote is “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  by Albert Einstein.