About the Program

Early Childhood Education (ECE) will explore the foundations of early learning. Students will examine theories defining the field, issues, trends, best practices, and program models. ECE is a year-long course that provides daily opportunities to develop and practice skills essential for successful teaching in the field of Early Childhood Education. Classroom learning will focus on understanding the learner, child development, planning instruction, best practices in teaching and assessment strategies, and preparation for the Washington State Paraeducator Certification. Students will understand how culture, equity, and opportunity are key to building a healthy learning community. Students will engage in daily job-shadowing experiences at Pathfinder Kindergarten/Pre School-Center and other satellite locations that include how to personalize learning, play to learn, social and emotional development, and behavior support.

Sno-Isle TECH Early Childhood Education program is a unique program being offered at Sno-Isle TECH where students from day one, will be learning at Pathfinder Kindergarten Center and other district dependent satellite locations. Students in the Early Childhood Education program will train for Early Childhood Education & Para Educator roles with the opportunity to earn 12 college credits at EvCC, giving a head start on their college career. Our students will also be given the opportunity to sit for the Para Educator Certification exam with OSPI during the course.

Download ECE Syllabus

Hello, my name is Cara Stern, I am the Early Childhood Education instructor at the Arlington and Granite Falls satellite locations. As a dedicated early childhood educator, I believe in the magic of those first years of learning, where curiosity and imagination blossom. With years of experience guiding young minds, I’m dedicated to helping future early childhood professionals help to discover their passion for working with young children. 

I received my undergraduate degree in International Studies and my masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University, located in Maryland.  I have experience teaching preschool, kindergarten and first grade students.  I have also taught early childhood English abroad in China. I am so excited to be apart of the Sno-Isle TECH family as well as our partnerships with Arlington School District and Granite Falls School District. 

 

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My name is Stephanie Wittenbrink, I am the Early Childhood Education instructor at the Pathfinder Kindergarten Center in Mukilteo. My love for teaching began while I was in elementary school. I loved learning and helping my classmates. I assisted students with special needs in an Adaptive P.E. class, volunteered in a 1st grade classroom throughout high school, and taught 5th grade students how to use a sewing machine to produce an Underground Railroad quilt for my senior project.

I attended Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education in Bellingham, Washington where I completed my dual endorsement in Elementary Education (Kindergarten through 8th grade) and Special Education (Preschool through age 21) in 2012. I student taught in a 1st grade classroom and in Learning Support classes at the high school level. After graduation, I began teaching in the Edmonds School District at Mountlake Terrace High School in Learning Support classes. I spent my summers leading preschool summer camp classes. I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education from Walden University in 2016 and my National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist in 2017. I spent 4 years at home when my son and daughter were born and realized how much I loved teaching early childhood education and wanted to return to teaching that age range. I taught at the Marysville Early Learning Center in Marysville, Washington as a developmental preschool teacher. I then joined the Sno-Isle TECH family in August of 2024!

 

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Hello, my name is Heather Freeman, I am the Early Childhood Education instructor at the Monroe and Sultan satellite locations! I am an experienced educator and Passionate leader, committed to empowering and fostering the next generation of leaders. With a strong foundation in education, I have dedicated my career to creating impactful learning environments, mentoring educators, and developing strategies that promote leadership within schools and organizations. My work centers on building collaborative and supportive communities where individuals can grow and excel.

In addition to my educational work, I am actively involved in my community. I serve on various boards, bringing my leadership and event planning skills to numerous organizations. My commitment to community is development extends to organizing events that connect people and inspire collective action.

When I’m not working or volunteering, I embrace my adventurous side. I am an avid dodgeball player, known for my energy and competitive spirit. I also have a deep passion and love for sharks, a lifelong interest that fuels my love for marine life and conservation. Above all, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing trivia, games and making memories together.

 

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Hello future early education difference makers! My name is Viveca Smith, I am the TOSA that coordinates our Early Childhood Education programs. I began my teaching studies at Barry University in Miami, Florida with a focus in English Language Learners and Elementary Education. After graduation, I began teaching for Broward County schools and discovered a deep interest in how children learn to read.  I became trained in the Fundations/Wilson Reading System and soon after became a Reading Specialist, where I worked with district leaders and staff to develop reading programs for students.

In 2008, I earned my master’s degree in educational leadership at Florida Atlantic University.   From 2010-2020, my career took me across the world where I worked as a reading specialist and ELL teacher at international schools in Indonesia, Germany, South Africa, and Thailand. During this time, I deepened my knowledge and expertise in the Primary Years Program (PYP) at International Baccalaureate schools and participated in numerous professional development opportunities including Harvard’s Project Zero, Linda Mood Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing and The Science of Reading.

I joined the Sno-Isle TECH family in August of 2023, with the aim to assist future early child educators to become flexible, creative, professional, difference makers who have a strong foundation in child development and how children best learn. The ECE program includes a yearlong internship at a local kindergarten center where students take classes onsite and work directly with kindergarten students daily.  Students will also visit local schools specializing in Montessori, Emilio Reggio, and Waldorf based learning, adding to their toolbox of strategies and theories for working with young students.

If you ever wondered if you should become a teacher or work in the early childhood field, this is the program for you!