Early Childhood Education

Do you enjoy working with children and hope to become a teacher someday? Get hands-on experience by becoming an early childhood educator!

With the rollout of Colorado’s Universal Pre-K program, the state needs early childhood educators more than ever. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood hopes to recruit 3,000 new professionals over the next several years. Join a growing industry while serving our state!

CCCS colleges offer short-term certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE) that qualify you to work in community settings, such as family childcare or faith-based organizations. You’ll also earn college credit that builds toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in ECE.

Certificate Pathways

Programs completed in a year or less

Effective addition to almost any role, ensuring development of foundational behavioral health knowledge that can be applied in a variety of settings.

Available in Fall 2024

Associate Degree Pathways

Build on knowledge and training learned in certificate programs

All CCCS colleges offer an AA degree in Early Childhood Education that prepares graduates to begin working or transfer to any public Colorado college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

AAS degrees focuses on technical, professional, and career training in the ECE field. Graduates can begin working or transfer to any public Colorado college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Considering a program in early childhood education?

Our partners at TEACH Colorado will help you apply with confidence. Sign up today for free access to:

  • 1-on-1 advising from experts
  • Multilingual how-to guides
  • Fee reimbursements, financial aid information, and more!

Not sure where to start? Attend a monthly “Become an Early Childhood Teacher 101” group advising session.

ECE Pathways are supported by the following:

House Bill 22-1295

This bill requires that the Colorado Department of Early Childhood develop a plan for recruiting, training, and retaining a high-quality early childhood workforce.

Early Educator Investment Collaborative (EEIC)

Early Educator Investment Collaborative (EEIC) facilitates innovative approaches to dismantle barriers in Colorado’s ECE teacher preparation system in order to reform the system itself to better serve the current and future ECE workforce. Support system transformation and reforms within and across institutions of higher education in Colorado and, to the state policy context specific to teacher credentialing/licensure, credit for prior learning (PLA) and compensation.