Early Childhood Education
Need help paying for college?
Thanks to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Educator Financial Support grant, students taking ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 may be eligible to receive funds to cover in-state tuition and course-related fees for those two classes.
Scholarships are also available to help ECE students pursue dedicated coursework, certificates & degrees up to a master’s. Scholarships are NOT need-based. Tuition, fees & other course-related costs are eligible.
For more information, contact your advisor or call 719-549-3200.
Why PCC?
PCC’s Early Childhood Education faculty is dedicated to offering a hands-on learning environment that respects the diversity of each student. Our small class sizes allow instructors to teach to your learning style and help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful early childhood professional.
We offer three educational paths, each with a different curriculum and award:
- Associate of Arts (AA) degree
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree
- ECE certificates for director (30 credits), early childhood teacher (18 credits), infant toddler supervisor (12 credits), and early childhood entry-level certificate (6 credits)
Completing your Associate of Arts degree at PCC will allow you to take the same entry-level courses you’d study at a university. You’ll save thousands of dollars and enjoy the benefits of smaller class sizes and personalized attention from your instructors. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to transfer as a junior to one of the following four-year schools in Colorado to complete your bachelor’s degree in these areas:
- Adams State University (Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education)
- Colorado Mesa University (BA, Early Childhood Education – Early Childhood Special Education)
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education)
- Colorado State University-Pueblo (BS, Early Childhood Education)
- Fort Lewis College (BA, Early Childhood Education)
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (BA, Early Childhood Education)
- University of Colorado, Denver (BA, Education and Human Development – Early Childhood)
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs (BA, Inclusive Early Childhood Education)
- University of Northern Colorado (BA, Early Childhood Teacher Education – Birth-Grade 3)
Students completing the AAS degree who are interested in transferring to a bachelor degree program in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education should refer to the transfer degree section of the PCC catalog for details about that process.
What will I learn?
PCC’s Early Childhood Education program prepares you to become a productive, caring and responsible teacher of young children (birth to age 5). The program can also prepare you to become an early childhood teacher or director in the ECE field.
Classes emphasize child development skills in the areas of language, social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. We also focus on cultural diversity among children.
You will become familiar with theories concerning child development and ECE and will participate in many group discussions and hands-on activities that you can apply in the preschool classroom. You’ll learn from qualified faculty members who believe in the success of each ECE student.
Applicants must demonstrate an interest in the care and well-being of young children, be free from evidence of physical and mental illness, and be free from personal conduct that may be injurious to children as stated in the Colorado Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers, section 7.702.51.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The licensure requirements for the Early Childhood Education program may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit the Education Commission of the States page to identify the program requirements for each state in which you plan to live and practice.
PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
Colorado Department of Education
PCC has not determined if the Early Childhood Education program meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certificate
Award/Program Credits
6
Early Childhood Director Certificate
Award/Program Credits
30
Early Childhood Education, AAS
Award/Program Credits
60
Early Childhood Teacher Certificate
Award/Program Credits
18
Early Childhood Teacher Education, AA (with Designation)
Award/Program Credits
60
Infant Toddler Supervisor Mini-Certificate
Award/Program Credits
12