Early Childhood Career Navigation

Welcome to Early Childhood Career Navigation!

Where are you on your Early Childhood Professional Journey?

Just beginning...
Wondering if you are on the correct path.
Well on your way.
You need to go back because you forgot something.
You need to rest.
Just arrived! Now what?

Every career has a set of challenges and different paths to choose.
Sometimes you need assistance finding the path,
and sometimes you just need something to help you finish your journey!

We’re here to help you wherever you are on your path!
Contact us at: ececareernav@cde.state.co.us

Young girl with a backpack smiling and ready to go

Highlights

International Transcript Evaluation for Early Childhood professionals
Educator Career Navigation Office Hours
Do you offer career navigation support to your community? We'd love to have you join the Early Childhood Career Navigation Community of Practice!

Paths in Early Childhood

Since Early Childhood lives in two state departments - Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Early Childhood, there can be confusion with the language and requirements to work in different positions and different environments. Here is some basic information to get you started!

Qualifications

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) qualifies teachers to work in community-based programs* and some public preschools. There are many pathways for different roles, which are listed on the Early Childhood Teacher chart.

*Community-based programs include licensed childcare and preschools in homes or centers. May qualify you to work in some public preschools, depending on district requirements. Licensure is one qualification pathway

Licensure

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requires licensure for K-12 public school teachers. CDE does not require licensure for Preschool/PreK, but school districts can choose whether they want to require licensure for those positions and offer a certified salary.
The basic requirements for CDE licensure are:

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
completion of an approved teacher preparation program;
demonstration of content knowledge

Which Path for your Early Childhood Professional Journey?

Reflect on:

What age of children would you like to work with? Early Childhood includes children from birth through eight years old.
Do you want to be an Early Childhood Educator, Director, Coach…. or something else?
Where do you want to work? Public preschools, child care centers, home child care settings are a few options.

Explore, Plan, and Develop