Accredited education degree programs in Colorado are perfect for students who want to work with kids of all ages and become teachers later. In order to teach at a public school, you need an education degree and a teaching license. Colorado requires that all teachers pass a background check and have some fieldwork experience too. You can gain that experience through one of the local programs that will let you observe working teachers and work with real students too. The top programs in Colorado include those designed for students just starting out and those designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
School of Education
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University of Denver opened as a school dedicated to serving the needs of all students living in the community. It guaranteed that students of all ages, races and backgrounds would have a spot within the university. The university remained devoted to this idea, which is why it worked hard to increase tuition at a slow rate to make it more affordable for students living in the state. With enrollment topping more than 23,000 students, Metropolitan State University of Denver is one of the largest public colleges in Colorado and sees its enrollment increasing nearly every year.
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education for students who have an interest in working in elementary schools after graduation. The licensure track lets students meet all the requirements for earning a license to teach in Colorado schools, but students can also enroll in a track that doesn’t not have a licensing component. This second track usually features students who want to immediately go to grad school after college instead of taking some time off to work as a teacher. Though students can major in early childhood education, they can also choose a double major in either human development or speech and language. The speech and language program is suitable for students who want to work with children who have speech and hearing problems. Graduation from this program requires that students successfully complete a minimum of 126 credit hours of education and general courses.
Accreditation
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
education@msudenver.edu
(303) 556-6228
https://www.msudenver.edu/education/
University of Colorado Denver
School of Education & Human Development
The University of Colorado Denver can trace its roots back to the foundation of a medical school, which opened in the 1880s. In the 1910s, the University of Colorado decided to open an extension campus in Denver that would provide additional education opportunities for students in the city. These two campuses would later merge to become one large campus. This campus became a standalone branch of the University of Colorado. Also known as UC Denver, it now has an enrollment of more than 18,000 students and offers a large number of classes through its online campus called CU Online.
BA in Education and Human Development Early Childhood Education Track
One of the best rated accredited education degree programs in Colorado is the BA in Education and Human Development Early Childhood Education Track available through the University of Colorado Denver. The early childhood education track deals specifically with children who range in age from preschool through early elementary school. This track looks at how teachers work with those students and teach them the fundamentals that they will need later in life. As with many other programs in Colorado, this one prepares students for gaining a teaching license after graduation. UC Denver also offers several concentrations within this program, including one that deals with family relations. Students can also major in early childhood education with a concentration in special education. Special education students typically have medical conditions and disabilities that prevent them from working in traditional classes. All these programs require that students take a minimum of 126 credit hours of classes.
MA Early Childhood Education
The University of Colorado Denver also offers a master’s degree program that is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a similar subject. The MA Early Childhood Education program consists of 30 credit hours of courses, a fieldwork experience and a research project. The research project asks students to pick a specific topic and create an independent research project around that topic. UC Denver also asks that students take a three credit hour practicum that focuses on their future career goals. They can study a topic that relates to what they want to do in the future. Students who take three semesters of courses every year can finish the program in two years or less, but students can take just one semester a year while enrolled in the program. Some of the advanced early childhood education classes available from UC Denver include teaching math to K-12 students and social competence.
Accreditation
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact
1380 Lawrence St.,
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 315-2601
admissions@ucdenver.edu
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/SchoolOfEducation/Pages/home.aspx
University of Northern Colorado
School of Teacher Education
The University of Northern Colorado, also known as UNC, is home to one of the top accredited education degree programs in Colorado because it originally started out as a teaching college. It opened in 1889 as the State Normal School of Colorado and provided teachers with all the skills necessary to succeed within their fields. As the school grew, it began offering classes in business, engineering and other programs outside of education. Though it now has six colleges that offer dozens of majors and programs of study, it has a strong reputation among those interested in becoming teachers.
Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Teacher Education (with K-3 Licensure)
UNC introduced its Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Teacher Education (with K-3 Licensure) as a way for students to gain their teaching licenses at the same time that they completed their degrees. This program looks specifically at the development of students between the ages of kindergarten and third grade, which includes students as young as four years old up to those around the age of eight. The program emphasizes using personal experiences as a teaching method. Students learn how to tell stories and better relate to their future students. Those enrolled in the K-3 program must spend a semester actually working with students. They will complete a fieldwork experience at a local elementary school and have the chance to talk with students, assign work and meet with other students. At the end of their course of study, UNC will work with students to ensure they meet the requirements for obtaining a Colorado teaching license.
Accreditation
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact
McKee 216
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-2908
cheryl.sparks@unco.edu
http://www.unco.edu/teach/
Whether you currently live in Colorado or want to move to the state for school, you’ll find a number of great options for early childhood education majors. Look over all the accredited education degree programs in Colorado to decide which campus you like best and which is best for you.
