Happy Hedgehog Classroom
The Toddler Classrooms at the University of Denver’s Fisher Early Learning Center serve children ages 18 to 36 months in a warm, relationship-centered environment that supports this exciting stage of rapid growth and discovery. Our program is grounded in research-based curricula, including the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) and Creative Curriculum (CC), which emphasize strong teacher–child relationships, responsive care routines, and thoughtful observation to guide individualized learning. Low ratios and consistent routines allow teachers to nurture trust, encourage independence, and support each child’s unique development.
Through play-based learning, strong supportive routines, and hands-on exploration, toddlers build language, practice self-help skills, and develop social-emotional and cognitive abilities across all areas of development. We partner closely with families to create a welcoming community where every child feels safe, confident, and eager to learn each day.
Classroom Teachers
Jessica Aparicio, Lead Teacher
Jessica Aparicio has been an early childhood educator since 2013, dedicated to fostering inclusive and nurturing classrooms where every child can succeed. She has experience supporting children with diverse learning needs, including those who have experienced trauma, and offering behavioral guidance in inclusive settings. Recently, Jessica earned her associate’s degree and plans to further her studies in psychology to better understand child development and emotional health. She believes that children learn most through curiosity, connection, and encouragement, and she cherishes moments when a child masters a new skill, word, or self-calming technique. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys reading, journaling, reading Batman comics, singing songs loudly in her car, doing art and crafts, spending time with her sister, and going on adventures with friends—particularly visiting Meow Wolf, where she loves imagining traveling through different universes.
Grace Ilori, Associate Teacher
Grace is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Curriculum and Instruction Department at the University of Denver, specializing in Early Childhood Special Education. Her research focuses on the vital role of play in early childhood development and explores how parents perceive and participate in play with their children.
She brings a strong academic and professional background in special education, having earned a B.Ed., M.Ed., and Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria before beginning her studies in the United States. With more than six years of teaching experience prior to joining Fisher in May 2022, Grace has a deep understanding of the importance of early learning in shaping a child’s future. She is dedicated to supporting students as they build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Kathy Soufi, Continuity of Care Associate
Kathy Soufi is originally from Iran and has lived in the United States since 1998. She moved to Denver, Colorado from New York in 2009 and has been working at Fisher Early Learning Center since November 2010 in both infant and toddler classrooms.
Before moving to the United States, Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Tehran and worked as a high school teacher in Iran for more than five years. While working at the University of Denver, she also began pursuing a degree in Psychology, a field she is deeply passionate about. Kathy believes that when children feel loved and supported, they enjoy coming to school and develop a lifelong love of learning.
