Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Certificate, CER
Pathway: Business, Technology and Public Service
Make a difference in the lives of young children and help meet the need for quality early childhood education in your community! Our Early Childhood Education program gives you the skills and knowledge to support kids' success in school and life. With multiple degree and certificate options, our dedicated faculty are committed to helping you reach your career goals. Prepare for an entry-level career as a preschool teacher, childcare worker, or with further education, a childcare center director or special education teacher.
Considering our program in early childhood education? We’ve got you covered. Our partners at TEACH Colorado will help you apply with confidence. Sign up today for free access to:
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Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education program, students will be able to meet the educational qualifications for early childhood teacher and director as defined by the Colorado Department of Human Services for licensed childcare centers and preschools.
Learn about the policies of preschool administration.
After completing this certificate, students will meet the minimum qualifications for the DHS. This qualification is a requirement for employment at many early childhood institutions.
Patient and compassionate students will learn best practices for teaching children ages 3 through 8 in the classroom, how to cultivate the learning and imagination of youth as well as learning to handle medical emergencies.
Students learn the necessary skills to seek employment at preschool programs in the state of Colorado.
Students learn how to care for infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with this certificate.
The Associate of Arts Early Childhood Teacher Education Preparation option is the result of a Statewide articulation agreement between the Colorado Community College System and the four-year colleges and universities.
One of the primary objectives of Higher Education programs in Colorado is to cultivate strong leaders in the field of Early Childhood Education. To achieve this goal, it is essential to establish partnerships that promote collaboration and a shared commitment to Colorado's workforce, as well as the children and families that our students interact with statewide. As a result, the Early Childhood Higher Education Partnership (ECHEP) was formed.
ECHEP conducts regular meetings throughout the academic year, co-led by a faculty member from a 2-year program and a faculty member from a 4-year program. The current co-leaders of ECHEP are Dr. Lori Ryan from CU Denver and Dr. Kassy Lopez from PPSC.
Recently, the Early Childhood Education program at PPSC actively participated in the ECHEP Retreat. This retreat created a safe and immersive environment where higher education programs could connect, relax, and engage in meaningful discussions on policy/advocacy and teaching/learning. The retreat served as an opportunity for the programs to deepen their understanding of one another and foster collaboration, all within the beautiful surroundings of the retreat setting.
To work in this field, you may be required to obtain state licensure. Be sure to check state licensure requirements for the state or territory where you are currently located and/or intend to work. Learn more about professional licensure and check to see if our program meets the requirements in your state or territory.
If teaching is your passion, PPSC offers two degree options for future teachers! You can pursue an Associate of Arts degree in Teacher Preparation focused on Early Childhood Education (Preschool to 3rd grade) or an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education Teacher Preparation (Kindergarten to 6th grade).
Explore Education: Teacher Preparation
Interested in how the human mind works? Launch your career as a mental health counselor or gain insights that apply to many fields, such as education, business, healthcare, and social services with our Psychology program.
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