Start a Career in Early Childhood Education
Start a Career in Early Childhood Education
Key resources can help launch and advance your career in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Many helpful resources follow, including information on certification and licensing, courses, scholarships, and more. Comprehensive data in also provided on the number of current ECE professionals in Boulder County, broken down by role, demographic, and education level.
Requirements to Obtain ECE Certifications or Licenses in Colorado
- You must use the Colorado Shines PDIS system to receive early childhood certification. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Find details on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Professional Certifications page.
- The Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS)Â is a valuable ECE resource for learning and professional advancement for all early childhood professionals in Colorado. It offers online courses, scholarships and opportunities to connect with other people interested in early childhood. PDIS has courses related to every aspect of child development.
Stipends/Scholarships/Loan Forgiveness
Information and resources on grants, scholarships, loan forgiveness and financial aid for ECE education and training can be found on the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) website. Visit the CDHE’s ECE Educator Stipends/Scholarships/Loan Forgiveness page.
Job Role Details
Embarking on a career in early childhood education is a profound journey that extends far beyond the classroom. As stewards of a child’s formative years, ECE professionals play an important role in shaping a child’s academic success and fostering emotional intelligence, social skills, and a lifelong love for learning.
There are several options for those interested in a career in early childhood education. Explore them all to discover which would be most personally fulfilling and will best align with your strengths and passions.
The job roles listed below include brief overviews and the minimum requested education for each role.
Boulder County ECE Data for Professionals by Role, Demographic and Education
In 2021, the most common ECE professional roles in Boulder County were Assistant Teachers for ages 3-5 (22%), followed by Lead Teachers for ages 3-5 (20%).
In 2021, the largest percentage (32%) of ECE professionals in Boulder County had Level 2 ECE 2.0 Credentials, making them the most common credentials held.
In 2021, the most common level of education among ECE professionals in Boulder County was a bachelor’s degree (37%).
In 2021, 71% of Boulder County ECE professionals identified as white.
The largest age group of ECE professionals in Boulder County in 2021 was the 25-35 range (34%).
The preceding five graphs were last updated March 8, 2023.
Source:Â Colorado Early Care and Education Workforce Data Dashboard
Longmont Formal Provider Child Spots Available
The latest supply data available from formal care providers in Longmont follows. (This includes providers who work in child care centers, preschool programs, family child care homes etc.) Data on informal providers like friends, families, and neighbors (FFN) is not included. When this data becomes available it will be included here as FFN providers are important and valuable sources of care.
Child care centers had the highest number of formal provider spots available in Boulder County in early 2023, with 1,731 spots, significantly more than any other type of care provider.
Last updated March 8, 2023
Source:Â Colorado Information Marketplace
Early Childhood Education Survey
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