Emily McBee, 1987 Early Childhood Education graduate
Emily McBee is a 1987 Early Childhood Education graduate and current Childcare Center Director at Southwest Tech.
I chose Southwest Tech because it was close to home and they had a program that I was interested in, which was Early Childhood Education.
The impact Southwest Tech had on my career is that it was able to provide me with education and hands on experience to help me grow and become successful in my field.
What has been your career path since graduation. How did you get to where you are now?
After graduation in 1987 I worked for two years as a paraprofessional with 1st and 2nd graders at St Gabriel’s Catholic School in Prairie du Chien. I was getting married in July of 1989 ( I met my husband (Joe)at SWTC while going to school. He is also a 1987 graduate from the Auto Body and Technician Program.) I applied for a child care assistant position at the college and was hired on March 13th, 1989. After three years working part-time, I began working full-time in the Preschool Room in 1992. Fast-forward to 2013 when I became the Director of the Center and then a year later I was ask if I would be interested in teaching a few of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes, which I was. I work part of my day in the child care center with the children, ECE students and managing the center and staff. The other part of my day is teaching ECE classes.
What is something you think every student should participate in?
I think it is important for students to get involved in the clubs. It is a great way to get to know your classmates in a more casual way.
What are you proudest of?
I am proud of the Child Care Center. I have a great staff working at the center who go above and beyond for the children enrolled at the center.
What are your passions outside of work?
I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my 4 grandchildren. Madyson 4, Hayden 3, Masen 1 and Miles 8 months. As a family we like to go on the river on our pontoon. Spring is my favorite time of the year. I like to work in the yard and plant flowers. My husband and I also enjoy cruising in one of our collector cars.
