DC native Alexis Simmons is the oldest of 8 siblings. She would often help her younger brother with his schoolwork — he had developmental delays and needed her aid. As the oldest, she naturally sought out the best ways to help her brother with his struggles; this research instilled a desire to work in education — she realized this was her calling.
Simmons knew about UPO’s housing and homelessness prevention programs but had no idea we offered job training. When she came across a UPO CARES Act flyer about our Child Development Associate (CDA) Training program, she was surprised and delighted…and she registered for the next class.
Her plan was to complete her certification during the pandemic so she’d be ready when schools and centers began to reopen. And that is exactly what she did! Simmons now teaches at DC Prep Public Charter School.
Getting certified gave her a boost of confidence and opened many doors. Now she’s ready to take the next step: starting her BA in Early Education at the University of the District of Columbia.
