We require on-going training for our staff through State classes, orientation videos, in-house training, and other certified professionals in the education field. All our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR.
Meet Our StaffMeet our Director & Founder Ashley Rogers, Ashley established The Learning Ladder Early Learner Center in September of 2021. After working at a family-owned childcare on Chicago’s South Side, Tiny Tots Academy, Ashley decided to become a childcare provider herself. Ashley has received her Bachelor of Arts in Cinematography at Columbia College Chicago. After becoming a Human Service Case Worker for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services, Ashley decided to further her education and service work at Dominican University in River Forest IL, by pursuing a master’s in social work & Business Administration. Ashley was accredited her Child Development Associate Credential for infants & preschool age center setting in 2022 by the CDA Council. She is an ECE Level 5 & SAYD Level 5 educator by The Gateways I- learning System which is administered by the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. CPR & First Aid certified & has also been certified as an Illinois Food Handler and Manager for sanitation. Ashley has carefully scouted out location, staff, and curriculum to provide a solution to many of the issues facing parents in the Chicagoland area, such as long waiting lists for quality care, confined spaces, and unsafe locations. Ashley is thrilled to source and provide a self-contained location that offers safety, security, and ample learning space.
Meet our Director, Summer has been a part of the Learning Ladder ELC family since its establishment in September of 2021. Summer is older sister to our Founder Ashley Rogers. Summer attains a Bachelor of Arts for Journalism/English from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. Furthering her education Summer received her Master’s in teaching at Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Summer started her teaching career right here in Maywood at St. Eulalia School in 2002 as a 2nd grade teacher. Over the last 20 years Summer has taught grades K-9th at several schools. As a community leader Summer tends to go to areas of need, Summer served as Middle School & Primary Teacher at St. Martin de Porres located of Chicago’s west side, Primary Teacher at Stevenson School- District 89 and has served as Primary Teacher at ACERO UCSN Charter Network Sandra Cisneros School. While teaching at Cisneros School Summer successfully closed the 6th grade math learning gap by 70% and English learning gap by 50%. Summer has been accredited Type 03 certification/endorsements for ESL, Middle School, English & Social Studies. Summer is also accredited for an academic background in Spanish as a second language to connect to both parents and students. When presented with the idea of becoming a childcare provider by her younger sister Summer jumped on board & began continuing her education in early childhood education. Summer is certified as an ECE Level 5 & SAYD Level 5 educator by The Gateways I-learning System which is administered but the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. CPR & First Aid certified & has also been certified as an Illinois Food Handler and Manger for sanitation.
Meet our Assistant Teacher & Meal Preparer, Viola Rogers. Viola Rogers has served as Public Service Administrator for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services for 40 years. Viola has been a resident of Maywood, IL for over 40 years and raised three children here. Viola has given back to her community through charity work for Fisher House for families of hospitalized Veterans, Kobe Prison Ministry for imprisoned women and men, and the Ronald McDonald House for families with children requiring long term hospitalization. Viola is a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary a Catholic Fraternal organization Dedicated to serving her God and Church. After retirement Viola decided to support her daughters Ashley & Summer by becoming a part of The Learning Ladder Early Learning Center family. Viola has been accredited at an ECE Level 4 & SAYD Level 1 teaching associate, by The Gateways I-learning System which is administered but the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. Viola is CPR & First Aid certified & has also been certified as an Illinois Food Handler and Manger for sanitation.
Meet our Administrative staff and Assistant Teacher Cathleen Rogers. Cathleen has served as an Intermodal Service Representative for CSX Transportation for 34 years. As a devoted member of Valley Kingdom Ministries located in Oak Forest, Cathy has lead services for the children ministries, along with her service through church she has held a Senior Leader position at the 22nd District of Girl Scouts located in Morgan Park. Like Viola, after retirement Cathleen also decided to support her stepdaughters Ashley & Summer by becoming a part of The Learning Ladder Family. Cathleen been accredited at an ECE Level 4 & SAYD Level 1 teaching associate, by The Gateways I-learning System which is administered but the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. CPR & First Aid certified & has also been certified as an Illinois food Handler and Manger for sanitation.
Meet our Assistant Teacher & Enrollment Specialist Victoria Rogers. With a young toddler of her own Victoria was thrilled to join The Learning Ladder family. Victoria has been accredited ECE Level 3 & SAYD Level 1 teaching associate, by The Gateways I-learning System which is administered but the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. CPR & First Aid certified & has also been certified as an Illinois Food Handler and Manger for sanitation.