Lead Teacher Alexis Young brings years of experience with children with her to Rainbows. Her grandmother is a special education teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada, and her mom ran an in-home daycare while she was growing up. She volunteered with Vacation Bible School in McPherson, as well as participated in a dance camp for children during her time as a dancer in high school. While completing her degree at Wichita State University, she interned at several different schools for first grade, third grade, and fifth grade.
Alexis has always loved children, so in 2018 during her third year at WSU, she applied for a para-educator position at Rainbows. She started in Room 4, the toddler room, then accepted the position as an assistant teacher in one of the Pre-K rooms. After Alexis completed her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Unified which qualifies her to teach special education birth through third grade and regular education through sixth grade, she moved to Room 5 as the lead teacher.
“There’s never a dull moment with toddlers!” said Alexis. “We play a LOT, meaning we learn A LOT. We love sensory activities, coloring, and listening to music all day long. My favorite part of this job is definitely the kids. Getting to know each child individually is the best, and seeing the smiles on their faces when I come into the classroom makes it all worthwhile.”
“My biggest achievement is becoming a lead teacher and getting to see my kiddos blossom throughout the years,” said Alexis. “I’ve seen students transition between rooms and eventually graduate. It makes me so happy to know that I helped make their time at Rainbows amazing!”
“It’s been such a pleasure getting to watch Alexis grow and mature into her responsibilities here at Rainbows,” said Michelle Croomes, Early Care and Education Program Coordinator. “She has stepped into the Lead Teacher position so gracefully and is truly exceling. We’re very privileged to have as a part of the ECE team and the whole Rainbows organization.”
Volunteering at Fashion Passion is one of Alexis’s favorite memories and something she is looking forward to this year. “The event itself is so much fun,” she said, “and seeing all the people in our community come out and raise money for such an amazing organization like Rainbows is truly heartwarming.”
When not at work, Alexis enjoys painting, watching Netflix, and snuggling with her cats, Pickle and Salami.
