Pikes Peak State College now offers FREE Early Childhood Education classes!

Build your career in Early Childhood Education

One block at a time

What if shaping your future starts by shaping theirs? Joining the field of early childhood education is more than an investment in yourself—it’s an investment in your community and the little ones that shape its future. With affordable classes and earn-and-learn opportunities, it’s easy to begin your new career.

¡Ofrecemos nuestros servicios en Español!

What is early childhood education?

As an Early Childhood Educator (ECE), you help develop children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills—building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. As children’s brains undergo the greatest development between birth to 5 years old, you are vital to your students’ success.

Follow the building blocks

To a fulfilling career

Entering this field is both accessible and affordable, with many entry-level positions requiring no previous education to get started. But the opportunities to grow your career through experience and education are endless.

Teachers Aides & Teacher’s Assistants

Teacher’s Assistants work with Lead Teachers in the classroom to care for children through play and learning activities.

Teachers & Lead Teachers

Lead Teachers are responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of children.

Education

Experience

Director and/or Coach

Early Childhood Directors oversee all aspects of programming including enrollment, staffing and partnerships.

Education

Experience

Early Childhood Special Educator

Special Educators are experts in meeting the needs of children with unique learning abilities.

Education

Experience

A career that makes a difference

Meet Anita & Katelyn, Lead Teachers

Not your average 9-5

A day in the life of an early childhood educator

A typical school day for an Early Childhood Educator is anything but typical. The best-laid plans can be turned upside down when working with kids—which means you’ll never be bored! With a heart for service and a spirit of adaptability, hear about the rewards of teaching from Anita and Katelyn.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common benefits in the early childhood education field?

Most employers in the Pikes Peak region offer child care, professional development assistance and/or tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and paid sick leave.

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The number of employers in your backyard looking to hire early childhood educators today.

How old are students in early childhood care?

Children in early childhood education range from birth to age 5.

What makes early childhood education more than “child care”?

This rewarding field is so much more than daycare. As an early childhood educator, you are supporting your students through their most formative years—as they are first learning how to interact with their peers, teachers and parents. Children at this age are learning developmental skills that will lay the foundation for ongoing education.

What are the opportunities for growth in this field?

There are so many opportunities for growth. Career opportunities include teacher’s aide, early childhood teacher, early childhood center director or administrator, home-based provider, family support specialist, early childhood coach, family support specialist or advocate, early childhood mental health consultant and early childhood special educator. Education and experience allow you to advance in your career and grants and scholarships exist to support your progress.

Are there scholarships, awards, incentives, and supports for pursuing a career in early childhood education?

Learn more about the Early Childhood Career Engagement Award ($500) for completing Early Childhood Education classes in high school HERE. (Watch a short video HERE.)

Learn about the Advancing Early Childhood Educators Program – open to all and includes incentives, funding, and personalized support– HERE. For more information about supports, schedule time with a Career Navigator!

How much can I make in early childhood education?

In Colorado Springs, the average annual pay for an Early Childhood Educator varies by early childhood program. To learn more about compensation in the Pikes Peak region, click here.

What makes a great teacher?

When no two days in the classroom are alike, it takes a special kind of person to engage and ignite a child’s curiosity. If you identify with any of the following characteristics, you could thrive in a career like early childhood education.

You’re passionate about the future of young children
You want to find ways to engage and give back to your community
You have a heart for service and caring for others
You are optimistic about the future—yours and your community’s
You embrace a culture of learning
Flexibility is your middle name—you’re able to adapt when the occasion calls for it
You embrace a spirit of play, knowing that young children learn best through play
You have a child-like heart, open to wonder and curiosity

A career field for everyone

In early childhood education—it’s all about the soft skills. Whether you’re just graduating high school, changing military stations, or looking at switching careers altogether—it’s likely you already have some of the skills needed to be a great educator.

High school students & GEDs

Imagine earning money while continuing your education—or getting paid to learn as you complete just a few introductory courses. You’ll jumpstart your career in little to no time!

Military spouses

Early childhood educators are highly sought after—especially in communities near military bases. With transferability, you can feel confident that the next rewarding position awaits you. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.

Switching careers

Have you felt unfulfilled or stuck in your job? With generous PTO, sick leave and opportunities to get paid working in the field as you learn—there’s never been a better time to take the leap. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.

Working for a Center or Taking Courses

Are you working as a Teacher Aide in an early childhood education program? Have you taken or are you enrolled in an Early Childhood Education course that has piqued your interest in this career? Our Career Navigator can help you create a career path!

Looking for Part-time or Volunteer work

Are you passionate about early childhood education and have recently found yourself with extra free time? There are plenty of Child Development Programs with a staff shortage eager for your help! There may be opportunities to receive credit hours or transition to a full-time position as well. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.

Interested in Owning Your Own Business

Is owning a business one of your goals for this year? Do you have a heart for nurturing young children and getting them off to a strong start before they enter kindergarten? With the urgent need for more early childhood programs in our community, NOW is the perfect time to start. Connect with a Career Navigator today to learn more!

The possibilities are endless

Benefits to a career in early childhood education

Besides building your own career—and fostering theirs—there are so many reasons to begin a career in early childhood education.

Earn while you learn

Some career pathways in ECE allow professionals to earn their credentials while being paid and working in the field.

Flexible education schedules

You may have access to on-the-job training opportunities, such as Child Development Associates options or flexibility to attend courses through local community colleges or universities.

Room to grow

This field offers many opportunities for advancement, allowing professionals to continue to increase their earnings while making a positive impact in the community.

Affordable classes

Scholarships and funding opportunities are available from organizations including community colleges, universities, workforce centers, early childhood councils and employers.

Impact on children & the community

Early childhood determines things like school readiness, reading levels in third grade, graduation from high school, going to college and even getting a job after college.

Reduced child care costs

Many employers offer reduced tuition rates for the children of employees—a huge benefit for many!

Professional Career Highlights

Remember, your journey begins with that first step. Seize this opportunity to transform your life! Let these stories about Juan and Leta, two young professionals that cultivated their passion for early childhood education as a career beginning in high school, inspire you to take action and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Spanish translation available HERE.

Play Video

Workforce Success Stories

Watch the workforce stories of success below that highlight the remarkable work and rewards of early childhood education professionals! As we illuminate their journeys to transform young lives, remember that the possibilities in early childhood education are endless, and we are here to support you on the path to your dream career!

Workforce Stories of Success

3 Videos

Mountain Willow

1:17

Karen & Evelin

0:43

Noemy Cortez

1:08

The building blocks to a growing career

Learn more = earn more

Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

While experience is important, ECE educators can continue to grow their impact and expand their access to higher-paying positions through ongoing education. In a field that is constantly changing, there is always something new to learn!

It takes a village

A full team ready to guide you

Five community organizations have come together to help you on your path to becoming an early childhood educator. Together, we’re here to help you find the right fit, begin your education and find open positions in the field that meet your needs.

I am a bilingual teacher. I speak Spanish and English. We have a child whose primary language is Spanish and this is her first time being in care. I am able to make her comfortable in the classroom by talking to her in Spanish. When I am near her, she is always playing and asking me questions about animals, colors and books. Another away that I make a difference is by caring about the children's needs—and their safety—by having open communication with their families.

What I love most about my job as an educator is forming relationships with my students. Through these relationships, I have the opportunity to help them meet their own personal milestones in a way that is meaningful to them. Every child is a unique individual and I love that I am able to focus on the whole child, fostering not only their academic development, but their social, emotional, and physical development as well.

Even on the crazy, busy, high energy days, the work is incredibly rewarding. The love and care you give and receive from the people in your center makes the whole experience that much better. Every day brings a new surprise, a new milestone, and a new thing to celebrate. I'm very grateful for the work I get to do!

I love working with other dedicated, quality professionals that care as much as I do about creating an environment of joy, growth, and safety for our students, and by extension, our community. Every student is someone's entire world. Everyday we hold the tenderest part of someone's heart in our care.

Take the first step

Connect with a Career Navigator

Wondering how to get started? Maybe you’re still unsure if this is the right fit for you. Our community’s Career Navigator can help you chart the best path forward and understand all of your options, like:

Friendly, free 15-minute call

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What best applies to you?

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What interests you most about a career in early childhood education?

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Build your career one block at a time

Learn more about early childhood education, including scholarships, professional development, and career opportunities, by subscribing to newsletters offered by the Foundations program of Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families.

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