Colorado Early Colleges Programs: Shaping Future Educators and Professionals

Colorado offers a diverse range of early college programs designed to provide students with opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school, prepare for careers in education, and gain a head start on their higher education goals. These programs cater to various needs, from those seeking teacher licensure to those aiming for a non-licensure path in early childhood education, and even those pursuing associate's or bachelor's degrees across different fields.

Early Childhood Education Programs at Colorado Christian University (CCU)

Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers flexible, fully online early childhood education programs designed to equip students with the skills to impact the next generation of learners. Taught from a Christian worldview, these programs emphasize servant-leadership and address the diverse needs of today's learners. Small class sizes facilitate individualized learning, networking, and direct access to instructors who are also professionals in the field.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Licensure)

CCU's Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree (Licensure) is tailored for adult students nationwide and abroad who aspire to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching license. This license enables them to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade in various educational settings, including public schools, international schools, private schools, and public charter schools.

Upon successful completion of this education program and meeting state requirements, including content testing and background checks, graduates can apply for licensure in Colorado or their respective states. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure process and requirements.

Key features of the program include:

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to CEC Windsor

120 credit hours, with 44 in the professional core.
Courses are taken one at a time and typically completed in five-week blocks.
CCU's transfer credit policies help accelerate degree completion.
Teaching focus: Pre-kindergarten through third grade in public, international, private, and public charter schools.
Eligibility for licensure in Colorado and most other states.
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Non-Licensure degree is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad who wish to become early childhood educators and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree without licensure. Graduates are prepared to teach in pre-kindergarten through third-grade settings in schools that do not require a license. These include some public charter schools, private schools, and international schools. Additionally, Head Start teachers may choose this option to obtain their degree, as well as directors of preschools or early childhood centers.

While student teaching is not required, teacher candidates must complete 160 clock hours of field experience during the first fall and spring semesters. Graduates of this program may later choose to pursue Colorado licensure through CCU’s Alternative Licensing Program or through CCU’s Master of Arts in Special Education Licensure program.

Key features of this program include:

120 credit hours, with 33 in the professional core.
Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks.
CCU's transfer credit policies help accelerate degree completion.
Teaching focus: Pre-kindergarten through third grade in some private, international, and public charter schools.
Not eligible for Colorado licensure directly.
Student teaching is not required, but some field experience is required.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International.

Admission to CCU's Early Childhood Education Programs

For adult students interested in beginning or completing their undergraduate degree, the College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers a variety of flexible educational opportunities. These include bachelor's degree programs that open new doors for your career, associate degree programs to help you build a strong foundation, and certificate programs to give you that extra edge.

Admission Requirements

Complete the adult undergraduate application online.
Provide your enrollment counselor with a copy of your state-issued driver's license or a state-issued identification card. This ID must include your photo and be within the expiration date. If you are an international student, visit our international student admissions page for more information or contact your enrollment counselor with any questions.
Submit proof of your high school graduation or completion. This must be your high school transcript with graduation date, a copy of your high school diploma, a copy of your home school transcript with details of courses and graduation date, or a copy of your high school equivalent certificate (GED). Additional documentation may be requested to verify your submission.
As part of the admissions process, applicants may be selected to participate in a video interview conducted via Zoom. This interview is designed to confirm applicant identity and support the integrity of the university’s enrollment process.

Admission to a licensure program in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies does not guarantee licensure upon completion of the program. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet all licensure requirements, which often includes a background check.

CCU offers accelerated degree completion programs for adult students, with courses typically offered in five-week blocks. Students can enter CCU at the beginning of any adult studies course, offering flexibility to start at virtually any time during the year. CCU operates on a standard semester time frame, including spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Colorado Early Colleges (CEC)

Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is a network of charter schools that provides students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. CEC believes that all students, regardless of background or skill level, have the ability to graduate high school with an associate degree, postsecondary/industry certification, or 60+ credits.

Key Features of CEC

Early College Access: Students can start working on college-level courses as soon as they are ready.
Free College Courses: Fort Collins charter school students can earn a combination of high school and college credits as they pursue a High School Diploma and an Associate’s Degree or higher for FREE.
Flexible Learning Environments: CEC offers campus-based full-time learning, college partner campus learning, and online learning options.
Diverse Pathways: Students may pursue an Associate of Applied Science and Certifications, an Associate of Arts or Science, or a four-year degree.
College Partnerships: Qualifying students can take college courses off-campus at Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, and Aims Community College. All courses taken must satisfy degree requirements.
Growth Mindset: CEC fosters a growth mindset that allows students to achieve mastery and succeed in school, college, and their chosen careers.

CEC Locations

CEC offers multiple learning environments:

CEC Campus Full-Time Learning: Grades 6-12
College Partner Campus Learning: Grades 9-12
Online Learning: Grades 6-12

Early Colleges Fort Collins High School Program

The Early Colleges Fort Collins High School program provides students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to start working on college-level courses as soon as they are ready. Fort Collins charter school students can earn a combination of high school and college credits as they pursue a High School Diploma and an Associate’s Degree or higher for FREE. Front Range Community College courses are taught on the CECFC high school campus.

Aims Community College Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program

Aims Community College offers an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program that provides students with a foundation for working with children (birth to age eight) in a variety of settings. The program aligns with state requirements for early childhood teacher certification and childcare center director qualifications.

ECE Program Options at Aims

Associate of Arts (AA) in Early Childhood Education: This degree is designed for students who intend to continue their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree.
Certificates: Aims offers several certificates in ECE, including:
- Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher
- Entry-Level Teacher
- Teacher
- Director

The ECE-L degree enables students to apply for Early Childhood with teacher licensure and Director Qualification in the state of Colorado. The program will qualify students to engage in a number of early childhood professions including teaching grades Pre-K to 3rd in public or private schools in Colorado, teaching in Head Start or other preschool or child care programs, providing infant and toddler programming, establishing a business as a family child care or a child care center, and serving as director of a child care center.

Colorado State University (CSU) - Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with Early Childhood Education (ECE) Concentration

Colorado State University offers a program in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with an Early Childhood Education (ECE) concentration that leads to teacher licensure. This program provides a strong foundation in human development and family systems, preparing future teachers to work in partnership with families in educating children.

Program Requirements

Students are encouraged to declare the ECE major during their freshman or sophomore years.
Students are required to meet with their HDFS advisor during the first semester of their sophomore year.
Following a review process, ECE students transition into the formal teacher licensure program in semester 4, when the ECE-L designation will be added to their academic record.
Students move through licensure coursework as a cohort, starting fall semester of junior year.
Effective Spring 2025 Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA in all AUCC courses and a minimum grade of a C (2.000) in all HDFS and EDUC courses and PSY 460, including courses used as substitutions.
Students must achieve a 2.75 GPA to transition to the education coursework (ECE-L) in semester 5.
For teacher licensure, students must complete their degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Additionally, only a maximum of 6 credits fulfilling major requirements may also count toward the HDFS Minor, department certificates (Youth Mentoring with Campus Connections, Disability & Neurodiversity, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health), and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor.
Students double majoring must have a minimum of 27 credits that are unique to the second major.

Curriculum Overview

The CSU HDFS-ECE program includes coursework in:

Freshman Year:
- College Composition
- Lifespan Development
- Creative Experiences for Children
- Introductory Seminar in HDFS
- General Psychology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Historical Perspectives
- Electives
Sophomore Year:
- Schools, Society, and Self
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Infant and Child Development in Context
- Adolescent and Emerging Adult Development
- Baby Steps-Development from 0-3 Years
- Family and Parenthood Across the Lifespan
- Writing Arguments or Writing in the Disciplines: Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Electives
Junior Year:
- Educational Technology and Assessment
- Literacy and the Learner
- Diagnostic Teaching of Reading
- Early Childhood Education I
- Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Applied Research Methods
- Lifespan Intervention and Prevention Science
- Wonder Years-Socioemotional Journey Ages 3-8
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, & justice courses
- Electives
Senior Year:
- Early Childhood Education II
- Student Teaching: Early Childhood
- Seminar: Professional Relations
- Risk and Resilience Across the Lifespan
- Administration of Early Childhood Programs
- Capstone--Evidence-Based Program Proposals
- Electives

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:

Students must meet with their Human Development Family Studies (HDFS) Advisor/Academic Success Coordinator to successfully complete ECE-L degree requirements. Coursework in the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP) requires a 4 semester (or 2 year) consecutive sequence to complete, therefore EDUC courses must be taken in the semester indicated below.

Additional requirements

Students must:

Meet with their HDFS Advisor during semester 3 to review coursework and requirements;
Have a 2.75 GPA and be cleared to begin education coursework by the end of semester 4;
Pass a criminal arrest record background check before participating in field placement courses;
Complete a graduation contract with an HDFS Advisor during the first two weeks of the semester in which they are graduating.

Demonstrating Content Competency for Licensure

Candidates for an Initial Teaching license may demonstrate depth of content knowledge through Multiple Measures of Content Competency (MMCC) as established by CDE (HB22-1220). If demonstrating content competency via Multiple Measures, the candidate must provide proof of CDE approval to the College of Education (COE).

Undergraduate-level IECE teacher candidates are required to take the following Praxis exams or submit for the corresponding MMCC by May 1 prior to their Professional Year.

5024: Education of Young Children
5692: Special Education: Early Childhood/Early Intervention

Candidates who have not passed these Praxis exams or secured approval for MMCC by August 1 of their Professional Year will have a formal conference with their Faculty Director and document a plan to meet content competency requirements. Undergraduate-level IECE teacher candidates are also required to take the following Praxis exam by August 1 of their Professional Year.

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