The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program provides students with a foundation for working with children (birth to age eight) in a variety of settings. Our faculty offer one-on-one guidance for course selection, field placements, student teaching and employment. Students complete their degree by completing a student teaching in an early childhood classroom.
Why choose Early Childhood Education at CMU Tech?
- You can earn credentials at little to no cost to you. Scholarships, stipends, and credit for paid local internships are available through Build Back Better funding.
- There are nation-wide shortages of ECE employees, and abundant local job opportunities in this field.
- The program meets state childcare licensing requirements for teacher and director certification and continuing education for Colorado Department of Education and Department of Human Services.
- Classes offered days, evenings and online.
- Credentials are stackable for your continued education.
- Students experience contact with children, parents and ECE professionals in settings that support professional growth.
- Students experience different education philosophies, since the program partners with local private childcare facilities, School District 51, charter schools and Head Start.
- The program stays on the cutting-edge of early childhood research and advocacy, and prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities.
This degree is designed for students who intend to enter the workforce upon completion. This degree also supports students who intend to continue their education and obtain a Baccalaureate in Applied Science Degree. The program aligns with state requirements for early childhood teacher certification and childcare center director qualifications. This degree includes 15 hours of the Colorado Statewide General Education Core and meets 15 hours of the lower division general education requirements at most public institutions in Colorado.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood EducationThis degree is designed for students who intend to continue their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree. The AA is the appropriate choice for students, who will take upper division coursework in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences. This degree includes the Colorado Statewide General Education Core and meets the lower division general education requirements at most public institutions in Colorado.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Arts in Early Childhood EducationStudents who wish to work in licensed early childhood care and education programs may complete the sequence of courses for Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher and then continue on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. The Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications established by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Assistant TeacherThe ECE program is designed to prepare students to work with young children (birth to age eight) in a variety of settings. This certificate is designed for students wishing to work as lead teachers in a childcare classroom. Students who wish to work in licensed early childhood care and education programs may complete the sequence of courses for Entry-Level Teacher certificate and then continue to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. The Entry-Level Teacher certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications established by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Entry-Level TeacherThe ECE program is designed to prepare students to work with young children (birth to age eight in a variety of settings. This certificate is designed for students wishing to work as lead teachers in a childcare classroom. Students who wish to work in licensed early childhood care and education programs may complete the sequence of courses for the Teacher certificate and then continue to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. The Teacher certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications established by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in TeacherThis certificate prepares students for careers in licensed early childhood care and education programs. The Director certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Students who wish to work in licensed early childhood classrooms may complete the Director certificate and then continue to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Career options include opportunities in childcare centers and pre-schools both public and private.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in DirectorCareer Opportunities
- Preschool teacher, director
- Elementary school teacher, director
- Childcare center teacher, director
- Home childcare
Career Pathways
Career pathway programs prepare students for employment in industries while also providing a stepping stone to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree and beyond. Learn more about career pathways.
| Career Pathways Certificate | Length of Program |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Teacher | 2 semesters (9 credits) |
| Teacher | 2 semesters (16 credits) |
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Courses with fewer than 25 students
Small class sizes allow for personal connection with the instructor
Job Placement
AA graduates are able to secure a job in the field within a few months of graduation
Scholarships, Apprenticeships and Credentials
Contact Vail Shoultz-McCole for more information on funding opportunities.
- Tuition assistance for courses ECE 101 & 103
- Earn college credit through a paid apprenticeship with a local childcare facility.
- Earn college credit for eligible past work experience.
- Scholarships for tuition gap funding available.
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program