Department of Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Department prepares students to work with young children in a variety of inclusive early childhood environments. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work with children, families and the community in planning enriched programs in daycares, preschools, infant/toddler centres and other early childhood initiatives that focus upon healthy early development.
Explore our programs
- Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
- Credential
- International students
ECE - Infant Toddler Certificate
- Penticton
- Certificate
Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Penticton
- Certificate
Early Childhood Education Diploma
- Kelowna, Vernon
- Diploma
- International students
Courses
Explore the courses offered within ECE programs at Okanagan College.
Instructors
Terri-Lynn Russell
Chair - Early Childhood Education
Email: trussell@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Health Sciences Centre 304
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4387
I have worked in the childcare field since 1996. My work experience has included working in licensed family daycare, group daycare and preschool. I worked for over 10 years with children and families requiring extra support needs in our community. I have worked as an instructor in the ECE department at OC since 2017.
Credentials:
MSW, UBC Okanagan
BSW, UBC Okanagan
PIDP, VCC
ECE, UFV
Michelle Erridge
Early Childhood Education
Email: merridge@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Main Building C345
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2212
Heather Ross
Early Childhood Education
Email: hross@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Health Sciences Centre 304
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4319
Credentials:
MA, Applied Behavioral Science, Leadership Institute of Seattle
BA, Psychology, University of Waterloo
Diploma, ECE, Okanagan College
Andrea Thiessen
Early Childhood Education
Email: athiessen@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Health Sciences Centre 304
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2289
Credentials:
MSc, Child and Family Studies, University of Southern Mississippi
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