Infants: Nido 1 & Nido 2
In our “Nido” classrooms, Italian for nest, we provide a nurturing and loving environment that follows the child’s individual development milestones, i.e. eating, sleeping, physical, and social/emotional needs. Our teachers encourage each child to explore the space around them allowing for freedom to learn and grow as they go!
Nido 1
Approximate ages: 6 weeks - 12 months
2 to 3 teachers with 8 young infants
Venus, Co-Lead
Venus joined VAKC in January of 2026. They earned their child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational trainings in Introduction to the Childcare Profession, Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care. With a background in being a children's dance teacher and after school drama teacher, it is important to Venus to nurture a creative environment starting early on. They are a certified Reiki Master and tend to bring some tools that cross over into cultivating social-emotional awareness and healthy expression into the learning environment. They like to make sure everyone feels seen and heard within their daily experience with the VA. Growing individuality while respecting others is very important to Venus' teaching style. When not teaching, Venus can be found doing yoga, Jiu-Jitsu with their teammates and going on nature adventures with their spirited Chihuahua-Pomeranian, Teddi.
Naomi, Co-Lead
Naomi joined VAKC in May of 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. Naomi has also earned her lead child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational training in Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care. When Naomi is not at VAKC or studying, she enjoys eating Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked, painting, doodling, drawing, thrifting, birding, glass blowing, photography, and fashion.
Gerri, Assistant
Gerri joined VAKC in April of 2024. She earned her Assistant Child Care Teacher Certificate through Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Gerri also earned her Technical Diploma in Accounting in 2013. She is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College. When Gerri is not at VAKC she enjoys reading, fishing, spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying funnel cake.
“Education must begin at birth.”
—Maria Montessori
Nido 2
Approximate ages: 10 months - 18 months
1 teacher: 4 older infants
Emmy
Emily joined VAKC in March of 2014. She received her Bachelors of Science from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a major in Early Childhood - Middle Childhood Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education in 2013. When Emily is not at VAKC she enjoys camping, kayaking, biking the lake loop, and tending to her 100s of house plants.
“Children acquire knowledge through experience in the environment.”
— Maria Montessori
