Hi and welcome!  I'm Julia Smithson, Owner/Director/Teacher/Friend.  I have seven and a half years of childcare experience, including five and a half years of home daycare and two years of commercial daycare in Washington State.*  I owned and operated Cascade Kids Childcare and Preschool of Lynnwood, WA: a 73-slot childcare which was sold in 2003.  I have three of my own children, ages 19, 13 and 11.  I come from a family of seven children; so (besides knowing how to fight for food and couchspace) I was fortunate to have been brought up with traditional family values, a strong work ethic, social responsibility, self-discipline and creative play ideas (because big families are also frugal families).  My full-time babysitting jobs began in the summers, at age 11.  I have always had what seems to be a "magic" connection with little ones (If you think I'm kidding, follow me to a public place and watch the babies find me in a crowd).  I have experience working with various abilities and needs, including Down Syndrome, Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, physical disabilities, seizures, ADHD and Bi-Polar Disorder.  I have an insatiable need for learning and growth, so I stay busy working on improvements and seeking education.  I have ECE education and professional development credits; but most importantly (I think), I stay informed and enthusiastic about my field.  I will (some day) be completing a degree in Child Psychology and am currently working on NAFCC accreditation.  I plan to use the credentials for advocacy work (e.g., stricter licensing and Early Childhood policy) and hopefully, publication of some of my creative "tools."  I just love my job!

Additionally, I am a gourmet cook (which has its client perks!) and professional artist (realism/impressionism/portraiture on canvas, and murals/faux finishing). 

My wonderful and brave (As you can imagine, "brave" was a prerequisite for marrying me) husband, James is a decorated (That means we have some shiny medals and touching written words in a display case, because he went beyond the call of duty) USMC Infantry Captain Reserve who served 18 months in Iraq.  He is now a Project Manager for a nationwide commercial builder.  He is the father of two brilliant boys, ages 7 and 5 who also have a home with their mother.  James and I are best friends; we enjoy each other's company, share a common respect and adoration for children, and strive to set the right examples for those in our care.  The children who are in care during the evenings will have a chance to meet and interact with James.

Our own children are absolutely delightful!  I could write about who they are and what they're doing; but guaranteed, it would be different by next week.  We're blessed to have happy, healthy, intelligent, creative, compassionate and hilarious children. 

*Washington is known as a leader in childcare standards, which are more stringent than California's.  Washington is so progressive, due mainly to advocates such as Mona and Gary Locke and Melinda Gates.  Some notable differences include minimum requirements such as: Building Blocks for Childcare Providers training, continuing education requirements, culturally-diverse activities and toys, age-appropriate curriculum (even for infants), and strict safety and sanitation standards.