Colorado has a mixed delivery system for providing child care meaning there are different types of allowable child care facilities. The qualifications needed to operate or be employed within a child care facility differ based on the type of child care facility and are found in the Colorado General Rules for Child Care Facilities and Rules Regulating Child Care Centers that Provide Less than 24-Hour Care. Two common positions within the profession are Large Center Directors and Early Childhood Teachers (ECT). Each of these positions has several ways to become qualified. Select the buttons below to view the various qualification pathways for each. In addition, there are various credentials and qualifications offered by the CDEC and the PDIS that support these and other early childhood positions.
Career navigation is the process of self-assessment, exploring options, creating and planning for the achievement of goals, and advancing your career. Early childhood career navigators can help individuals make informed educational, professional development, and career choices. In addition, they are generally aware of financial resources that may help you pay for the cost of higher education if that is the path you choose. Your local Colorado Early Childhood Council (ECC) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provide early childhood career navigation services. Select the buttons below to learn more and connect to an early childhood career navigator.