Where Childhood Shines
Our teachers love working at Rainbow as much as our kids love coming here. Rainbow's small size, low student-teacher ratio (25 children total and 7 staff), and loving environment allow staff members to integrate their strengths and interests while supporting our established curriculum. Children enjoy the benefit of being assigned to a small group according to age and development while having multiple opportunities to play with all age groups and bonding and interacting with all teachers during daily activities.
We are proud that most of our teachers stay with us for years. This is evident in the longevity of years our teachers remain at Rainbow. Of the seven teachers: two have been here for over 3 decades, one has been with us for 19 years, two for over 5 years, one for 3 years and the one rookie has been with us for 2 years. Teachers who are a strong part of our program and need to move on, usually do so because they get married (and move away), or a spouse’s work is relocated, or other similar circumstances.
We always work as a team, and this includes our hiring process. We focus on finding teachers who truly enjoy being with children, are fun, high energy, healthy, and dedicated to Early Childhood Education. Teachers who can contribute to the school beyond their own group curriculum, and wholeheartedly resonate with and advocate for our philosophy.
Roze
Roze brings enthusiasm, creativity, and over three decades of professional childcare experience to her role as Rainbow's director. She has been at the Center since 1988, and has served as director since 1997! She loves helping children to develop and discover their world. In addition to serving as director, she is the teacher for the oldest group, and thrives on capturing the kids' interests while working on skills including science, art, and kindergarten readiness. Her focus on science and art in particular stems from the importance of developing creative thinking skills and both science and art are captivating means to encourage this.
Many special things about Rainbow keep her here, including the space, the abundance of equipment, the freedom to teach based on the children's interests, and the mixed-age format that allows for younger and older kids to learn from each other. Whether leading her group or working with all of the kids on a holiday program or a fun science activity, Roze has her pulse on every aspect of the program.
Roze is “climate control”, aka the Chief Environmental Officer (CEO). Roze ensures that the atmosphere is joyful and intriguing in every room, that music is playing, that yummy food is cooking, that children are engaging with teachers, that there are flowers on the tables, and that the school is welcoming and beautiful. Roze keeps things running smoothly and continually evolves a curriculum that has been refined over decades of observation.
When not at Rainbow, Roze enjoys skiing (fast), hiking (everywhere), fishing (endlessly), and canoeing (lazily), all with her family. She also paints, does mosaic glass work, beading, sewing, video filmmaking, and volunteer work through her church. Roze has 2 sons, who are 15 years apart!!
Cheney
Cheney has been with Rainbow since 1987, taking a six-year leave of absence to ranch llamas on the Western front. Lucky for us, he returned in 1999 and has been a fixture at Rainbow ever since. Cheney brings a special mix of organization and pure silliness to our days. Always creative and artistic, Cheney spent time studying art in college, and now enjoys coming up with inventive and surprising activities such as filling the swimming pool in the middle of winter and taking the kids for a dip (of course, the pool is in the gymnastics room!). Among his favorite things about Rainbow are the many opportunities to learn from the kids, and the freedom that both teachers and students have to explore, be creative, and enjoy their Rainbow world.
Cheney serves as our Float Teacher and is skilled at every aspect of the school from administrative responsibilities, to assisting in every classroom, cooking meals, and much, much more. He knows every classroom routine, every child, every parent, and every family pet :) He is our regulator. He keeps the program routine on track each day, he knows which child has a parent out of town, or a grandparent in the hospital, or a new puppy at home, or any other state of affairs happening currently. We are blessed to have Cheney’s skills and keen instincts for the needs of each child.
In his spare time, Cheney enjoys working on his small farm and caring for his six horses, two dogs, two goats, three kittens, six ducks, two cockatiels, and a bunny named Trixie. Rainbow's official cowboy, Cheney also loves riding in rodeos!
Margaret
Margaret is our office manager. Her compassionate presence consistently ensures the school operates seamlessly. Margaret is eager to assist with any administrative needs or questions like: enrollment paperwork, tax questions and information, volunteer verification, documents and submits the monthly Colorado State Food Program information and all other tasks that keep our schools office operating efficiently. She also keeps the teachers up-to-date on their annual trainings as well as all of their other requirements.
She warmly welcomes curious young minds to explore her office equipment. More importantly, she consistently offers a comforting lap and engaging conversation for the children. Margaret is our Serenity Facilitator. It is a comfort each day to have such a skilled professional and caring friend in our office.
Jack
Meet Jack, our towering titan affectionately known as the "Big Tall Guy"! With roots tracing back to the legendary Abraham Lincoln, Jack brings a unique blend of stature and serenity to our team. His unwavering calm and adoration for children radiate in every interaction.
Whether he's delving into their favorite stories, concocting inventive challenges amidst the gymnastic equipment, or orchestrating lively outdoor games, Jack is the epitome of engagement. He's not just a teacher; Jack is our Essential Guide, ensuring our school sails smoothly through the seas of knowledge.
Jack's mission every day is to ignite curiosity, foster outdoor adventures, and ensure each child feels cherished and valued. After all, what child wouldn't leap at the chance to spend time with a living giant? Jack, our beacon of fun and professionalism rolled into one!
and more!
At Rainbow, our journey spanning 44 years has been graced by the presence of countless exceptional teachers.
Though their names may no longer adorn our website following the closure of the school, their legacy remains etched within the very fabric of our lives.
In reverence, we hold these dedicated educators dear, cherishing the profound impact they've imparted on generations of children and families. Their love, expertise, and unwavering dedication continue to resonate within the hearts of all who were fortunate to cross paths with them.
As we all embark on new chapters, we carry forward the invaluable lessons and cherished memories gifted to us by these remarkable individuals. We honor their enduring spirit and profound influence, forever intertwined with the essence of Rainbow.
