The new program director at Incredible Years Preschool has several goals in mind, but a priority is to spread the word about the facility’s services for children of all abilities.
Alli Adams, who has eight years’ experience in early childhood development, explained that “many people don’t realize we serve all children; they believe we serve only children with delays and disabilities.
“That is certainly not the case. Our preschoolers represent the whole range of abilities.”
Even though Adams’ new title is program director, she continues in her roles as preschool teacher and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Registered Behavior Technician.
ABA is a specialized program designed for children up to age 5 with a medical diagnosis of autism.
“My overall responsibilities include creating lesson plans and teaching with the assistance of my great colleagues who make my job possible,” Adams commented. “I also ensure that Incredible Years meets all licensing requirements and perform other administrative work.”
The preschool, 1312 Patton, offers two classes – one for ages 2-and-a-half to 3, the other for ages 3-5 or until they enter kindergarten. Twenty-one students are currently enrolled.
It is owned and operated by Sunflower Diversified Services.
Prior to her three years at Incredible Years, Adams worked for USD 428 at Helping Hands Preschool for five years. She earned her associate’s degree at Barton Community College.
“I have been in the early childhood realm for a while now,” Adams said. “In this new position, I want to enhance our program and really make it shine.”
Adams is originally from Coldwater; she and her husband have two sons.
McKinley Phillips, director of Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC), noted that when Adams arrived in 2019, she was the lead classroom teacher under the guidance of Shari Schneider, former preschool director who has retired.
“Throughout her career here, Alli has continued to thrive in all of her various roles,” Phillips said. “She demonstrates a great willingness to take on any task head-on and always puts 100 percent of her energy into the children at Incredible Years.
“She continues to build on our vision at Sunflower Early Education Center. Her passion for our children makes her a great fit for the director position. I can’t wait to see where Alli leads our preschool.”
As part of the Sunflower family, EEC offers three programs. They are early intervention and ABA services, along with Incredible Years Preschool. Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults with delays and disabilities in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
