The Buttercup Class
Our Buttercup classroom cares for infants 6 weeks to approximately one year old. Our teachers’ main focus is to form relationships based on trust and care with each child and family in the class. In the Buttercup room, we follow each baby’s individual schedule; napping on demand and following the eating schedule discussed with families upon enrollment. Since infants eating habits in their first year change and evolve, it is our priority to maintain continuous communication with families so we can keep updated as baby’s habits change. We work with each child’s family to determine their individual readiness to move to the next class, generally basing that decision on factors like mobility, eating table food, and readiness to transition to a more structured schedule.
Daily Schedule
Monthly Newsletter
Meet the Buttercup Teachers
Jennifer M.
Lead Teacher
Jamie M.
Assistant Teacher
My name is Jamie and I love working with infants because they are loving and it is fun to see them smile when you talk to them. I love working with the babies the most, because I get to cuddle them and make sure all of their needs are met. My full time job is working with special education students in the Ames School District. I also love that because they need someone to help them and I am able to do that! I enjoy spending my free time with my daughter.
Alyssa J.
Assistant Teacher
My name is Alyssa J, and i have been working at Play and Learn on and off since 2023. I’m from Indianola where hot air balloons are common and my family happens to have one. I spend my free time reading, playing with my dog Marley, or even helping with our hot air balloon when possible. I am an aunt to three crazy girls, and I have spent a lot of my time being with them throughout their life. My favorite part about working in childcare is watching the children grow and hit new milestones!
Maggie P.
Assistant Teacher
My name is Maggie. I am a University of Northern Iowa graduate for art education. I enjoy drawing, reading, and teaching. I enjoy spending time with kids whether they are in an art room or not and teaching them art skills and life skills. When I’m not in a classroom I am drawing, painting, creating art from found objects, as well as reading books of any genre and size.
Abigail O.
Assistant teacher
Hi! My name is Abigail O., and I have worked at Play and Learn part-time for about a year and a half. I am a junior at Iowa State University studying Communications with a minor in Psychology. I am from northeast Iowa, and I love to go home and visit my family. I have an older brother, a younger sister, two wonderful parents, and two sweet dogs. In my free time, I am active in a campus ministry called Campus Fellowship, and I love to play my guitar and sing. I also love spending time with my friends.
