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 professionals to work in community-based programs* and some public preschools.

There are many pathways for different roles. You will find pathways for Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) and other ECE roles on the CDEC qualifications page.

*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

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) licenses professionals for certified jobs* in public schools.

ECE (Birth - Age 8) Endorsement Areas:

Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Special Education

Education Requirements include:

Bachelor's or higher degree
Completion of an Educator 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