Early Childhood Care & Education Program Invites Community to Help Mark 40 Years
By Bob Hall
The contribution to a healthy region through quality childcare will be celebrated when Selkirk College marks a major milestone for the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) Program on May 24.
The ECCE Program’s first cohort began study at the Castlegar Campus in September, 1979. The program was made possible by early childhood care legends Judy Pollard and Selma Sheldon who created a learning environment that focused on setting high standards. Pollard went onto a career that included 25 years as an instructor and was a valued member of regional, provincial and national boards.
The original intent of providing quality education and training remains intact. The program has thrived on the Castlegar Campus for 40 years, turning out hundreds of graduates working in rewarding careers in the region and beyond.
“This program has had deep and lasting impacts on our region over the last four decades,” says Taya Whitehead, a graduate of the program and the Chair of Selkirk College’s School of Health & Human Services. “There have been generations of kids who have benefited from the care provided by our alumni and we are extremely proud of the contributions made by our graduates.”
To mark the occasion, the college is hosting a 40th anniversary celebration on May 24 at the Castlegar Campus between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The event welcomes the community, all ECCE alumni, family and friends.
The evening will include student presentations with a formal welcome by current provincial Minister of Children & Family Development Katrine Conroy who was a member of the first graduating Selkirk College ECCE class.
The first Early Childhood Care & Education Program cohort that began class on the Castlegar Campus in September, 1979. The class included current provincial Minister of Children & Family Development Katrine Conroy (back row, five from left).
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