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.
ECE Diploma
This two-year program is the foundational education required for all Early Childhood Educators.
Infant Toddler Certificate
After gaining experience in the field, this advanced training certificate allows graduates to work with infants and toddlers.
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: Business Building 220
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
Betty Cleland
Early Childhood Education
Email: bcleland@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Business Building 222
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4385
I am an instructor in the Early Childhood program, beginning 2008. Prior, I worked directly with children and families in preschool, full day childcare, family child care, and supported child development. A highlight in my early education career has been to design, establish, and facilitate a preschool program for 80 children that continues to thrive today.
I am community minded, working collaboratively with local childcare and youth organizations in the Okanagan Valley. I was an advisor to the Minister of State for Childcare. This commitment to enhancing social policy and investing in the next generation of professionals was formally recognized in 2017, as I was honoured with the Kelowna Community Leader Mentor Award.
Credentials:
MA Ed, Early Childhood Education, Concordia
Barb Fay
Early Childhood Education
Email: bfay@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Main Building D317
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2288
Alicia Larson
Early Childhood Education
Email: alarson@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Business Building 222
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4385
I have worked in the childcare field since 2000. I began working in the hospital setting with children and their families as a Certified Child Life Specialist. I have worked in group childcare as well as infant/toddler in a young parent’s program. For five years, I worked in the community with child care providers that wanted to open an in-home daycare. I have worked as a sessional instructor in the ECE department at Okanagan College since 2016.
Credentials:
BA, Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
Diane Little
Early Childhood Education
Email: dlittle@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Salmon Arm Building 150
Campus: Salmon Arm
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 3218
Heather Ross
Early Childhood Education
Email: hross@okanagan.bc.ca
Office: Business Building 219
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: Main Building A300
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445
Credentials:
MSc, Child and Family Studies, University of Southern Mississippi
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