About Us
Stephanie
I began my career with children in 1991, and for all of my adult life, I have been blessed to be working in a field that I love.
I have earned an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Los Angeles Mission College and a B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University, graduating with honors from both institutions.
While earning my degrees I worked in the Children’s Schools on Campus being mentored by Master teachers.
I went on to teach at the Santa Rosa Jewish Community Center Nursery School in the three’s program. While working at the SRJCNS I was chosen by the Bureau of Jewish Education to travel to Israel to meet with Early Childhood Educators all over the country to share ideas, it was the trip of a lifetime!
In addition to my travels, my Bachelor's Program opened the door for me to begin working with children with special needs. I found that working with children who had special needs came naturally to me and I enjoyed the work. I spent 9 years working with toddlers and preschoolers with Autism.
I continued my education working towards a Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Intervention. Before I completed my coursework I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to continue my work with children, and not sit in meetings and write reports. Paperwork is not my strong suit.
Shortly after we moved to Camarillo I opened Stephanie’s Family Child Care & Preschool. This new phase in my career began in August of 2007. My dream of having a Preschool and Child Care in my home has come true. In addition to having a preschool/Child Care, I have been able to use my background in the field of Early Childhood Intervention to identify children with varying special needs and assist their parents in obtaining services for their children.
I served for many years on the board of the Ventura County Child Care Association, and participate in the Ventura County Office of Education Rising Stars (QRIS) program earning a Five Star Rating. I also worked with West Ed in collaboration with other licensed providers to develop online training modules for Licensed Family Child Care Providers.
Each day is a new adventure, we laugh, play, sing, dance, and explore.
I have always loved being with children and find that the world through their eyes is always new and exciting. Nothing brings me greater joy than to be a part of a child’s life.
My husband Ken and I have been together for 21 years and just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. We share our home with Tallulah, & Piper Hooten our Labrador Retrievers, and 3 fish.
Tallulah
Tallulah was born in June 2020. We raised her with a philosophy called Puppy Culture, training began on day 3 of life and continues with obedience classes and trips to the dog park to insure she is well exercised and stimulated. She was picked for us by our breeder for her temperament. She is an absolute joy, the children love her! She has been with the children since we brought her home and continues to be an amazing part of our Home, Preschool & Child Care
Piper Hooten
Half-Sister to Tallulah, Piper Hooten was born in March of 2021. A difficult start, as her Mom, Hootie passed the day she was born. Hand-raised and nurtured by the best she is an energetic, affectionate puppy. She too is the best fit for our family. Both she and her sister continue training, recently beginning agility, in addition to ongoing obedience.
Hootie
Hootie is Tallulah & Piper Hooten's, Mommy. We were hoping to be her forever home. She came to us just a month after we brought Tallulah home. Our breeder, Journeyman Labradors is located in the mountains near Shaver Lake and was evacuated when the fires came through in September of 2020. We had already been in discussion with them about being Hootie's forever home when we came to visit Tallulah. They needed immediate help with the 19 dogs which included a litter of puppies. We were happy to step in. Hootie was also a dream, she was a hugger, gentle soul, and amazing Mama dog, Most importantly she was Tallulah's favorite chew toy and playmate. RIP 3/15/21
Nala
Nala is our Large Labrador Retriever. She has been in the Child Care since she was 8 weeks old, Now 12 years of age. She spends most of her day sleeping on the couch, or on my bed. She is very helpful when it comes to cleaning up after mealtime, and has a big bark to let us know when strangers are around. RIP 4/14/2020
