First School
About UsMISSION: Our goal at First School is to help each child reach their full potential. Activities and instructional materials are scientifically designed to provide a variety of learning experiences which promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of ‘well-trained certified early childhood teachers, allows the child to experience the joy of learning through hands-on activities. It also ensures the development of self-esteem and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.
Our School
Sarah Stoliker; Director and Owner of First School
President of ILLDOC, Illinois Directors/Owners of Child Care Centers
Director: Sarah Stoliker
Sarah, the youngest of three, was born and raised in a small military town in central Illinois. Her father, a small animal veterinarian, and her mother, a graduate of the University of Illinois in Child Development, raised their family in a small but culturally diverse community. To this day she credits many of her happy and enriching childhood experiences to her mother’s knowledge of child development and application in the home and Sarah’s early years.
More About Sarah
Sarah graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. After college, she moved to Chicago and worked many years in retail management and the wholesale apparel industry before moving to corporate sales and management.
She met and married her husband Eric in Chicago, and it was shortly after their son was born Sarah went back to school to study early childhood education. Her early personal experience from her childhood was sparked, and she believed that by combining her knowledge of business with her passion for young children was perfect for a career in childcare!
While going back to school, Sarah was a nanny for a special-needs child, cared for children in her own home, and also worked in her mother’s center-based program teaching and directing. In 2009, Sarah and her family purchased land and designed/built a center-based program in the southwest suburbs of Chicago where she is director and owner today. She loves working as a team with parents, children, and teachers every day in her program.
A Word
From Sarah
“Its not about us, it’s about the child.. We are building a child with tools for their own growth. I believe that we are trying to build Independent learners, confident kids and life-long learners to leave their environment better than they found it.”
My favorite quote by Maria Montessori states, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I do not exist.”
– Sarah Stoliker
Our Staff
Meet our amazing staff! Pictures and more bios will be coming soon!
Sarah Stoliker
Director, Owner
Hello! I’m the director and owner of First School and I’m happy to say that this December we will be serving the Manhattan community for fourteen years! I am married to Eric Stoliker and I have one son that is a freshman at Cedarville University studying finance, music, and German language. I also have two chickens and one kitten!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: My Taco
Scent: Citrus
Store: Tractor Supply
Drink: Iced Sun Tea (unsweet)
Snacks: Pretzels & watermelon Jolly Ranchers
Color: Green
Stephanie Wiater
Assistant Director
Hello! My name is Stephanie and I just got married and have a new last name. You may know me as Miss Reynolds. I have worked at First School for 3 years and I have experience with all age students. You can find me in any of the classrooms or upfront helping as an Assistant Director.
When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with my husband, dogs, and family! We enjoy country music, going on long walks, and trying out different restaurants. I’m excited about the school year and everything that comes with it!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: Cooper’s Hawk
Scent: Vanilla
Store: Amazon
Drink: Sprite; no coffee
Snacks: Slim Jim & Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzels
Color: Blue
Carla Dvorak
Hello! I’m Mrs. D! You might seeing me around First School stopping into classrooms waving hello or you might see me working with Mrs. Sarah in the front office. I am helping First School with their Community Outreach and Curriculum. Both my daughter and son went to First School and now they are grown and going to High School and Middle School. I saw first hand the impact of the Montessori learning take shape to my children’s success! On my free time, I enjoy taking golf cart rides with my husband and kids around Manhattan! I have been a public school teacher for 22 years and love creating opportunities for student learning and growth!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: Manhattan Pizza and Wings
Scent: Fall, apple, cinnamon
Store: Amazon
Drink: Coffee
Snacks: Jolly Ranchers
Color: Lime Green
Jacqueline Broski
Hello! I’m Ms. Broski. I am currently finishing up my Child Development Associate (CDA). When I’m not at work, I’m either shopping at Target or driving to Indiana to see the buffalo! I used to work in retail, but have always loved spending time with kids. Mrs. Stoliker gave me an opportunity and I LOVE LOVE LOVE being in the baby room and watching them grow and learn! I don’t have any children right now, but being in the Baby room makes me forward to having my own someday!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: Aurelio’s Pizza
Scent: Sweet Pea
Store: Target
Drink: Diet Coke
Snacks: Hot or Salty
Color: Pink
Sandi Broski
I am Mrs. Broski! I have been teaching for 36 years! I love teaching, as you can see! It is my passion! I love working with every age group especially the Twos! I love reading stories to the children, singing songs, doing art and just watching them learn. I have been married for 32 years and I have grown children. I love butterflies, angels, and cardinals. I love the scent of warmers, especially the relaxing scents. I have at least 2 in every room! I enjoy doing puzzles on my phone. Its fun and relaxing!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant:Aurelios
Scent: Fresh Cotton
Store: Amazon
Drink: Diet Coke and Ice Mountain
Snacks: White Popcorn
Color: Blue
Ms. Dauer
My name is Ms. Dauer and you can usually find me in the School Age classroom. I love reading and watching Gilmore Girls. I love traveling and seeing different states. My favorite place is Kentucky every summer with my boyfriend and his family. I am looking forward to the school year with your children and getting to know them!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: Paisanos
Scent: Pumpkin Spice
Store: Target
Drink: Dr. Pepper
Snacks: Salt and Vinegar Chips
Color: Yellow
Anne Griffiths
Hello! My name is Anne Griffiths and this is my fifth year at First School. I absolutely love the idea of molding young children and am enjoying my years here! In my spare time, I love to try new hobbies. My fiancé and I are currently in a bowling league and are doing pretty decent! I enjoy relaxing and watching Netflix. So please, give me any suggestions of shows to watch! I also love being with my friends and family! There is nothing like being with the ones you love!
Favorite Things:
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
Scent: Fall, pumpkin, floral
Store: Target
Drink: Diet Coke
Snacks: Hot Cheetos & Nacho Doritos
Color: Purple
Ariadna Flores
Bio Coming Soon!
Elvira Guerrero
Bio Coming Soon!
Lynn Kirby
Bio Coming Soon!
Bridie Doyle
Bio Coming Soon!
Guisela Hernandez
Bio Coming Soon!
Important Dates
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815-478-6001
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