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Meet our Founders

Sunny Kids Land Early Learning Center was founded from a place of genuine love for children and a simple yet meaningful beginning — as a small, home-based daycare built on trust, warmth, and close relationships with families. What started in a home quickly grew as families shared their experiences and confidence in our care, inspiring the vision to create a larger early learning community while preserving the heart of our home-based roots.

At the center of this journey is Mrs. Sonja, Founder and Director of Sunny Kids Land Early Learning Center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia and further pursued her passion for early childhood education through the City Colleges of Chicago. She also earned her ECE Level 1 credential through the Illinois Professional Development System. With over 10 years of experience in childcare, including nine years as a family childcare owner, Mrs. Sonja leads Sunny Kids Land with a deep commitment to quality care, compliance, and meaningful partnerships with families.

Alongside her is Mr. Zoran, Co-Founder and Assistant Director, who brings over 12 years of experience in the childcare field. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Pre-School Education from the Higher School of Vocational Studies for Teachers Education in Subotica, Serbia, and has earned both ECE Level 4 and Illinois Director Level 1 credentials through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Mr. Zoran has worked with children from infancy through age ten and is known for his creative, hands-on approach that encourages independence, confidence, and joy in learning.

Together, the founders remain actively involved in the daily operations of Sunny Kids Land, ensuring high standards of safety, consistency, and compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing requirements. Their shared philosophy centers on learning through play, nurturing social-emotional development, and creating an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow.

What began as a home-based daycare is now a growing early learning center — but our promise remains the same: to care for every child as if they were our own and to create a place where families truly feel at home.

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Mrs. Sonja Stamenkovic

Program Coordinator/Lead Teacher

About Me

About Mrs. Sonja Stamenkovic

Mrs. Sonja holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia. She also pursued early childhood education coursework through the City Colleges of Chicago, where she completed a comprehensive curriculum focused on child development, educational theory, and program administration. This academic foundation, combined with practical experience, enabled me to meet the qualifications set by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for a Director-level position in early childhood education. Through this pathway, Mrs. Sonja developed the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to oversee high-quality childcare programs and support the developmental needs of young children effectively. She also earned her ECE Level 1 credentials through the Illinois Professional Development System. With over 10 years of experience in the childcare field, her background includes volunteering in a preschool, working as a family nanny, and participating in the Au Pair program in 2012. For the past nine years, she has successfully managed her own small family childcare business. Driven by a deep passion for teaching and nurturing young children, Mrs. Sonja is dedicated to preparing them for future success in every possible way.
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Mr. Zoran Milic

Lead / Substitute Teacher

About Me

About Mr. Zoran Milic

Mr. Zoran is an experienced early childhood educator with over 12 years of dedicated service in the field of childcare. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Pre-School Education from the Higher School of Vocational Studies for Teachers Education in Subotica, Serbia. In addition to his academic background, he has earned an ECE Level 4 credential and Illinois Director Level 1 certification through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. Mr. Zoran has worked with children ranging from infancy to age ten, bringing creativity and a hands-on approach to his lesson planning. As both an educator and daycare owner, he is committed to fostering independence, confidence, and happiness in every child, creating a nurturing environment where exploration and growth thrive.
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Ms. Angelica Di Falco

Assistant Teacher

About Me

About Ms. Angelica Di Falco

Ms. Angelica, affectionately known as Ms. Angel, was born and raised in Italy and holds a degree in Human Sciences. A multilingual professional, she is fluent in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and English, allowing her to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds. She has completed all training requirements mandated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and is certified in both CPR and First Aid. With extensive experience in early childhood education, Ms. Angelica is known for her gentle demeanor, compassionate nature, and unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of every child in her care. Her strong sense of responsibility, organizational skills, and reliability make her an invaluable member of our team, consistently contributing to a nurturing and structured learning environment.
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Mr. Jose Guerrero

Assistant Teacher

About Me

About Mr. Jose Guerrero

Mr. Jose serves as an Assistant Teacher with a deep commitment to nurturing young minds in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment. With a calm and caring approach, he strives to build strong, respectful connections with each child while encouraging their independence, creativity, and love for learning. Mr. Jose is certified in CPR and First Aid and has completed all required DCFS training, ensuring he provides the highest standard of care and safety in the classroom. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish fluently, which allows him to better connect with bilingual children and families, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Mr. Jose believes early childhood education is about more than academics—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that help children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
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Ms. Janessa Mercado

Assistant Teacher

About Me

About Ms. Janessa Mercado

Janessa is a dedicated and nurturing Assistant Teacher with a passion for early childhood development. With a warm and patient approach, she supports the lead teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for young children. Janessa assists with daily routines, classroom activities, and supports each child’s emotional and developmental needs. Certified in CPR and First Aid, and trained in accordance with DCFS requirements, she is committed to helping children grow through play, curiosity, and positive guidance. Janessa loves spending time playing and learning with little ones and her top priority is making sure they stay happy and healthy.