B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Licensure and Non-Licensure)
The early childhood education programs offered through our College of Adult and Graduate Studies will provide you with the skills to make a meaningful impact on the world's next generation of learners. As a teacher candidate and future early childhood educator, you will study education theory, classroom management, and participate in field-based learning experiences that put you in the classroom. This unique combination of theory and practice will help you develop the competencies necessary to become an effective teacher to children in their early years.
Taught from a Christian worldview, our early childhood education program courses are offered in the flexible, fully online format. Each course will help you address the diverse needs of today's learners through servant-leadership in classrooms, schools, and society as a whole. Small class sizes encourage individualized learning and networking and give you direct access to instructors who are also professionals in the field.
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Licensure)
CCU's Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree (Licensure) is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching license that allows them to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade in public schools, international schools, private schools, and public charter schools. Upon successful completion of this education program and meeting state requirements including content testing and background checks, graduates apply for licensure in Colorado or in their state. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure process and requirements. Learn more about program and licensure requirements for each state.
Successful completion of CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies education licensure programs and additional state requirements including content testing and background checks will result in a university recommendation for licensure to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It is the student's responsibility to ensure he/she meets all additional CDE licensure requirements including content testing and background checks. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure reciprocation process and requirements.
- 120 credit hours (44 in professional core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Teaching Focus: Pre-kindergarten through third grade in public, international, private, and public charter schools
- Eligible for licensure in Colorado and most other states
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Non-Licensure degree is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to become early childhood educators and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree without licensure. Graduates are prepared to teach in a pre-kindergarten through third-grade setting in schools that do not require a license. These include some public charter schools, private schools, and international schools. Additionally, Head Start teachers may choose this option to obtain their degree as well as directors of preschools or early childhood centers. Student teaching is not required, although teacher candidates are required to complete 160 clock hours of field experience during the first fall and spring semesters. Graduates of this program may later choose to pursue Colorado licensure through CCU’s Alternative Licensing Program or through CCU’s Master of Arts in Special Education Licensure program.
- 120 credit hours (33 in professional core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Teaching Focus: Pre-kindergarten through third grade in some private, international, and public charter schools
- Not eligible for Colorado licensure
- Student teaching is not required, but some field experience is required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Education Related Programs
- Bachelor's Degrees: Early Childhood Education, B.A.; Elementary Education, B.A.; Special Education, B.A.
- Master's Degrees: Curriculum and Instruction, M.A.; Educational Leadership, M.Ed.; School Counseling, M.A.; Special Education, M.Ed.; TESOL, M.Ed.
- Endorsements: CLDE Endorsement; Special Education Generalist
- Graduate Certificates: TESOL
- Licensure: Alternative Licensure; Principal Licensure
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.
State Exclusions for Online Students
Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.