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From Infant through preschool, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow.

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Curriculum that develops the whole child

Our L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum uses fun, hands-on activities throughout early education to help children develop intellectually, socially and cognitively. Or as we say, to learn, play and grow.

Learn More About Our Curriculum

Characters that bring learning to life

Children love learning from characters—and studies show that it’s highly effective especially in preschool and early education. TLE® has a cast of unique, beloved characters, each one teaching children a new value or activity.

Bubbles and Friends Theme Song

261K subscribers and 60,480,577 views

Grace & Charity

Our dynamic doggy duo introduces the importance of being generous and giving.

Bubbles

Our lovable friend who takes you on a daily adventure that makes kids happy to learn, play and grow.

Lionstein®

Our wise and creative scientist who makes science fun and exciting.

Phoebe

Our literature loving llama makes reading fun.

Two Plus Toucan

Our creative mathematician helps explore the joys of math.

Penny

Our well-mannered etiquette coach demonstrates the importance of being helpful, honest, and kind.

Sonar

Our adventurous submarine reveals the many wonders of the underwater world.

Pablo

Our creative and artsy pig helps children discover the beauty of self-expression.

Gibby

Our kind-hearted, hard-of-hearing gibbon loves to share his passion for sign language and promoting inclusivity.

Success measured in happy stories

See what parents are saying about TLE Childcare Centers.

Michelle

L
11 months ago
My Son has been at TLE for over a month now, he came from a different childcare center due to a move, and we are thrilled with the experience. We thought our other center was great and TLE has proven that they are better! My son is excited to go to school each morning, which was not always the ... Read more

Michelle

L
11 months ago
My Son has been at TLE for over a month now, he came from a different childcare center due to a move, and we are thrilled with the experience. We thought our other center was great and TLE has proven that they are better! My son is excited to go to school each morning, which was not always the case at the other center. They have an excellent parent portal, and the teachers are kind and encouraging. Brandy, Robin, and Alok are very hands on and get to know the parents on a personal level and are always available to answer questions. 10/10 recommend TLE, they have exceeded our expectations!

Tiffany

R
7 months ago
My family and I moved to Lemont 6 years ago. We feel so lucky to live in a town that we love and can truly call home. TLE has played a major role in why we feel this way. Now my kids are 7, 5 and 3. My oldest child started TLE at 2.5 years old and second child at 7 months old. I was a nervous a... Read more

Tiffany

R
7 months ago
My family and I moved to Lemont 6 years ago. We feel so lucky to live in a town that we love and can truly call home. TLE has played a major role in why we feel this way. Now my kids are 7, 5 and 3. My oldest child started TLE at 2.5 years old and second child at 7 months old. I was a nervous and emotional mom looking for childcare for my babies. I visited many daycares including at home daycares and interviewed nannies. I can still remember my first visit to TLE. Everything felt right. We were impressed with the building, set up of rooms, curriculum and most importantly, the connection we made we staff. Years later, my oldest is in second grade and he was very prepared for kindergarten. The preschool and pre-k programs were great both for academic content and social-emotional learning. My 5 year old daughter is currently in TLE's kindergarten program. She loves her teacher and has made great progress since the start of the school year. As a family with two working parents, we could not be more happy to be a part of the TLE family. They truly love what they do and they are good at it! Thank you to the owner, both directors and teachers for caring for and teaching our kiddos! You are all appreciated!

Tiffany

Rojszyk
7 months ago
My family and I moved to Lemont 6 years ago. We feel so lucky to live in a town that we love and can truly call home. TLE has played a major role in why we feel this way. Now my kids are 7, 5 and 3. My oldest child started TLE at 2.5 years old and second child at 7 months old. I was a nervous a... Read more

Tiffany

Rojszyk
7 months ago
My family and I moved to Lemont 6 years ago. We feel so lucky to live in a town that we love and can truly call home. TLE has played a major role in why we feel this way. Now my kids are 7, 5 and 3. My oldest child started TLE at 2.5 years old and second child at 7 months old. I was a nervous and emotional mom looking for childcare for my babies. I visited many daycares including at home daycares and interviewed nannies. I can still remember my first visit to TLE. Everything felt right. We were impressed with the building, set up of rooms, curriculum and most importantly, the connection we made we staff. Years later, my oldest is in second grade and he was very prepared for kindergarten. The preschool and pre-k programs were great both for academic content and social-emotional learning. My 5 year old daughter is currently in TLE's kindergarten program. She loves her teacher and has made great progress since the start of the school year. As a family with two working parents, we could not be more happy to be a part of the TLE family. They truly love what they do and they are good at it! Thank you to the owner, both directors and teachers for caring for and teaching our kiddos! You are all appreciated!

Chenghan A

Kaiden
8 months ago
We’ve been bringing our child to TLE since moving into the neighborhood two years ago. The facilities are excellent and kept very clean. The teachers and administrators are very professional, well trained and it is clear that they love children (just overall nice people). They run a pr... Read more

Chenghan A

Kaiden
8 months ago
We’ve been bringing our child to TLE since moving into the neighborhood two years ago. The facilities are excellent and kept very clean. The teachers and administrators are very professional, well trained and it is clear that they love children (just overall nice people). They run a program that has all the benefits of being national in scope, but they also provide a local touch. Most importantly, Kaiden loves his school. They make learning fun, and they also have a great indoor playroom and outdoor playground for kids to just play and have fun. Nutritious meals are carefully arranged and child safety is always their top priority. We really couldn’t be any happier with TLE and strongly recommend.

Caitlin S

Leathon
3 months ago
My son attends pre-school here and he has grown so much from this center. He started attending after always being cared for with a nanny or myself being home. When we thought it was time for him to start school, The Learning Experience was such a great fit. He started in there Twaddler room, wh... Read more

Caitlin S

Leathon
3 months ago
My son attends pre-school here and he has grown so much from this center. He started attending after always being cared for with a nanny or myself being home. When we thought it was time for him to start school, The Learning Experience was such a great fit. He started in there Twaddler room, which is there was of saying older 2 year old room. Yes of course the first week or so was a bit rough on both mom and baby being dropped off. But the staff made the transition so easy for it to happen. Now my son has an amazing vocabulary and learning how to write. The center director ,assistant director, and staff are some of the most caring and loving people. This really makes you feel happy and secure that your child will be somewhere that they actually care and get to know the child, not just it being a job. As parents we want the best for our children and The Learning Experience makes you feel better about them being in someone elses care for the day.

Andrew K

Jordan Kahn
3 months ago
So our son has been attending TLE in Lemont since he was a baby, and he is now almost 5. Every time he graduates to a new classroom, we are saddened because the last teacher was so wonderful we didn't think she could be beat. But- after a few short days we realize that his new teacher seems ... Read more

Andrew K

Jordan Kahn
3 months ago
So our son has been attending TLE in Lemont since he was a baby, and he is now almost 5. Every time he graduates to a new classroom, we are saddened because the last teacher was so wonderful we didn't think she could be beat. But- after a few short days we realize that his new teacher seems to be as good or even better than the last! How can you top the best? Well, the entire staff is top notch. I've never seen so many caring teachers and caregivers who are passionate about the kids. From director Ms. Mindy all the way down, our minds are at ease knowing that our son is in good hands. Strong recommendation for TLE/Lemont!

Meet our TLE® Center team

Brandy Ratleph

Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Brandy Ratleph

Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

I began working at TLE Lemont in August 2016. I first started as a Preschool 3 teacher and am now the Center Director. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership. I have over 16 years’ experience in the childcare field, working with all ages, infant through school age. As a parent one of the hardest choices to make is to who to leave your child with. My goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where your child's development will grow socially, emotionally and cognitively. I love providing parents with exceptional care and seeing the children reach their highest potential! I live in the south suburbs with my husband and two children. When I am not busy taking my kids to gymnastics or lacrosse I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with family and crafting.

Robin Borowski

Assistant Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Robin Borowski

Assistant Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

My name is Robin Borowski and I am happy to be a part of the TLE Lemont family. I began here as a Preschool 3 teacher in August of 2018. I have over 20 years’ experience working in early childhood, having held positions from Lead Teacher to Center Director along the way. On top of my childcare center experience, I was a Special Ed Paraprofessional at Will County SD 92 for 6 years. I have my Bachelor's degree in Literature from Eastern Illinois University. I also hold my Para-educator license as well as my Illinois Substitute Teacher Certificate. Early Childhood is my favorite age to work with because as a preschool educator, you truly get to watch the children grow before your eyes. We have the best job in the world because not only are we educating children, but we are also helping create a love of learning that children carry with them through their academic journeys.

Alok Jhamnani

Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Alok Jhamnani

Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Alok's background is in technology. He has a Master's degree in Computer Science and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. He is a business manager, entrepreneur and angel investor with 15 years of experience covering software, manufacturing, telecommunication and fitness industries. Ever since his first child went to preschool, he has developed a deep appreciation for the impact teachers and preschool curricula have on young children. After actively looking to acquire a preschool, he found a wonderful match in The Learning Experience at Lemont. He holds his staff and the facility to the highest standards in order to build a safe and nurturing environment for children. In his spare time, Alok likes to workout and play sports.

Debbie DeLaLeurs

Office Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Debbie DeLaLeurs

Office Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

My name is Debbie and I have been with TLE Lemont since May of 2022. I have over 20 years of working with children. Prior to coming to TLE I was the Center Director at Rosehill Montessori and the Assistant Director of Hope Montessori. In my free time I enjoy walking my dog and hanging out with my family.

Ms. Flo

Infant C Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Ms. Flo

Infant C Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Ms. Flo began at TLE in March of 2022. She is one of our Infant C teachers. Flo has her B.A. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. She is also the mother of three wonderful children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking and cooking! Ms. Flo enjoys working with our littlest learners because of watching them grow and their snuggles.

Ms. Nartica

Infant C Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Nartica

Infant C Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Nartica has been with us since June of 2023. She began as our infant floater and is now one of our Infant C teachers. She has her A.A in journalism and her B.A. in public relations with a minor in speech communications. In addition, she has multiple ECE classes that she has taken to become lead qualified. In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping and working out. Nartica's classroom goal is to help her infants develop and grow so they are ready for the toddler room!

Ms. Skylar

Infant A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Ms. Skylar

Infant A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Ms. Skylar has been with us since August of 2022. She one of our Infant A teachers. Prior to working with our littlest learners, Skylar was our Prepper lead. Skylar is attending Prairie State College where she is pursuing her degree in Social Work and Child Welfare. She also has coursework in Early Childhood as well! In her free time Skylar likes to read. Her classroom goal is to celebrate the growth and development she sees in her students each and every day!

Ms. Sammy

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Sammy

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Sammy joined the TLE Lemont Family in October of 2018. She is our currently our Infant B lead. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her hobbies include crafting and taking care of the animals at her home. Her classroom goal is to have a safe and fun environment for the children to learn in.

Ms. Robyn

Infant A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Robyn

Infant A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Robyn started at TLE in September of 2022 in our Toddler Room. Recently she has found a love for our infants, and we couldn’t be happier to have her there! Robyn is a mother herself and has many years of childcare experience. In her spare time, she enjoys music, dancing and writing. Ms. Robyn enjoys the cuddles and snuggles the infant room brings her daily. Her classroom goal is to help the children in her room develop and meet their milestones.

Ms. Michelle

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Michelle

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Michelle joined the TLE family in March of 2023. She is currently a teacher in our Infant B classroom and loves our littlest learners. She has her Associates Degree in Restaurant Hotel Management and is working toward her CDA. Michelle also coaches swimming at Oak Lawn H.S. for the last 6 years. In her free time, she enjoys art and going on hikes. Michelle believes that nurturing little minds is important and she loves that she can do it every day!

Ms. Rachel

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Rachel

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Rachel became a part of the TLE Lemont family in October of 2018. In her time here, she has been teaching in our Toddler Classroom. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Associates and has several years of childcare experience. Rachel loves spending time taking care of her little girl at home. Her classroom goal is to show the children in her care love and to have fun learning!

Ms. Vicky

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Vicky

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Vicky has been a part of TLE Lemont since August of 2020. She began working with our Preschoolers and now is the lead in our Toddler Room. Vicky has her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys camping and being outdoors. Her classroom goal is to build relationships with her students and watch them learn and grow.

Ms. Anastasia

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Anastasia

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Anastasia, Ms. Ana as the children called her, has been with us since January of 2023. Ana works as a co-teacher in our Toddler Room. She has her B.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from SNHU. She is also working on a few Early Childhood courses as well. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her pets. Her classroom goal is to ensure the children are having fun while learning and growing!

Ms. Nicole

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character:

Ms. Nicole

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character:

Ms. Nicole has been a member of the TLE Lemont family since October of 2019. She has worked with children of all ages but the Twaddlers have her heart. She is currently our Twaddler co-lead and we are so happy to have her. Nicole has her Bachelors in Sports Science with a minor in Business Management, in addition to having childcare coursework. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughters, playing basketball and shopping. Her classroom goal to have every child knowing their alphabet by the time they move classrooms and always having fun!

Ms. Maddie

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Maddie

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Maddie joined us in February of 2023. Maddie obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from UIC. She also works as a gymnastics coach for young children for the last 6 years. Maddie is a co-teacher in our Twaddler Room. In her free time Maddie likes hanging out with friends, going to the gym and kick boxing. Maddie loves working with the Twaddlers because of the energy, joy and excitement they bring to the classroom each day.

Ms. Kristy

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Sonar

Ms. Kristy

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Sonar

Ms. Kristy was welcomed into the TLE family in August of 2021. Kristy loves our preppers! Kristy enjoys getting her two-year-olds prepped for preschool! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children. Her classroom goal is to create a fun learning environment while supporting her students as they grow.

Ms. Kaitlynn

Preschool 1a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Kaitlynn

Preschool 1a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Kaitlynn joined TLE Lemont in December of 2016. She is one of our Preschool 1a teachers. Kaitlynn is finishing up her Child Developments Associates and has worked in both our two’s classrooms and preschool rooms. Her hobbies include spending time with children, husband, shopping, hanging out with friends and relaxing watching TV. Kaitlynn’s classroom goal is to teach in a fun way so the children realize how fun learning can be. She also wants to make sure the classroom is safe and encourage her students to bring out their creativeness.

Ms. Tiesa

Preschool 1b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Tiesa

Preschool 1b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Tiesa was welcomed into the TLE Lemont in February of 2018. She is one of our co-teachers in the Preschool 1b Classroom. Tiesa is currently pursuing her Child Development Associates and has a wealth of experience working with children. Tiesa’s hobbies include reading, writing, cosmetology and baking. In her classroom her goal is to help her students thrive in a positive and loving environment.

Ms. Lorainna

Preschool 1a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Lorainna

Preschool 1a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Lorainna has been a part of the TLE Lemont Family since January of 2020. She works as one of our Preschool 1a teachers. She is fairly new to the Early Childhood scene and is pursuing her Child Development Associates. In her free time, she enjoys organizing projects and using her cricut. Her classroom goal is to celebrate her student’s growth and to become a better teacher.

Ms. Krissy

Preschool 1b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Ms. Krissy

Preschool 1b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Ms. Krissy became a part of TLE Lemont as a Preschool 1b teacher in April of 2023. Krissy attended Elmhurst College where she has coursework in Early Childhood Education. In her free time Krissy enjoys going to the beach and reading. The classroom goal she has for her preschool class is to create a happy and fun learning environment for the children in her care.

Ms. Spirit

Preschool 2a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Spirit

Preschool 2a Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Spirit has been a part of the TLE Lemont family since June of 2023. Spirit has her associate in art, and she is currently studying Elementary and Special Education at Lewis University. She also holds her paraeducator license. In her free time, Spirit likes going on hikes. Spirit's classroom goal is to help the children in her class grow and to bring out the best in them every day!

Ms. Annette

Preschool 2b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Ms. Annette

Preschool 2b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

This will be Ms. Annette's second time joining TLE Lemont. She worked with us in 2018 while in college until she left when she began student teaching. Annette returned to TLE in August of 2022 after teaching 2nd grade in the public schools for two years. She told us her heart is with the littlest of learners! Ms. Annette has her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lewis University, along with several ECE classes. In her free time Annette enjoys shopping and hanging out with her puppy!

Ms. Theresa

Preschool 2b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Theresa

Preschool 2b Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Theresa has been a part the TLE Lemont family since June of 2020. Theresa is co-Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2b Classroom. She has her Associate Degree in General Studies with her Early Childhood Education Certificate. In her free time, her hobbies are cooking, traveling and raising her family. Theresa’s goal for her classroom is to teach her class while playing and singing in a language rich environment.

Ms. Elena

Nutrition Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Elena

Nutrition Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Elena, after a short time away, has found her way back to TLE Lemont. She worked with us prior and just returned in August of 2022. She began in the kitchen, moved into a classroom and now is back in our kitchen keeping our little one's bellies full. In her free time, she loves being outdoors!

Ms. Pat

Floater

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Pat

Floater

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Pat began at TLE in May of 2023. Pat was a RN for 27 years and after retiring realized she still wanted to care for infants. Pat is one of our floaters that works primarily with our littlest learners. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano and spending time with her family. Her classroom goal is to help the infants learn and grow.

Ms. Jessica

Floater

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Jessica

Floater

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Jessica joined TLE in January 2023. She holds her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and holds her Paraprofessional License. Jessica works as a floater with our infants through preppers. In her free time, Jessica loves spending time with her son, crafting and reading. Jessica loves working with our youngest learners because of the progression she sees in them.

Many ways to stay connected

We offer an easy-to-use smartphone app and an array of ways to help you stay connected.

Monthly newsletters and invitations to our community events

Monthly calendars

Everyday photos of your little learner

Blog to help you stay with the current trends

Notifications of your child’s learning activities

Social media

Upcoming events

25
September

Tie Dye Day

Let's see how much tie dye you can wear today!

26
September

Family Day

Let's have some fun learning about everyone's family!

27
September

Crazy Hair Day

Let's see your silliest/craziest hairstyle today!

29
September

Flannel Friday

Wear your coziest flannel today!

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