Alert: Plaza Building Is Closed
The Plaza Building will be closed through at least Dec. 6 because of a water line break and expected repairs. The Health Center, located in the building, will only offer Telehealth until further notice. Please check the Auraria Campus website for updates.
Learn More
Early Childhood Education
Is working with young children, families and communities during this critically important stage of development a passion of yours? If so, CU Denver’s Early Childhood Education program can take you to the next level no matter where you are now. We prepare highly competent professionals who are leaders and advocates known for embracing the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Courses are filled with real-world assignments and experiences that prepare our graduates to be responsive and innovative early childhood educators who practice within settings that include all children (infancy through age eight) and families.
Our program emphasizes family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and is inspired by the potential of all children and families.
Online Program
Our flexible online MA in Early Childhood Education accepts students every term (fall, spring, summer) and features personalized support for every student. As innovators of digital teaching and learning, our online programs are highly ranked and in great demand.
Our Commitment
CU Denver is committed to putting highly qualified and well-compensated early childhood professionals in the field.
Scholarships
CU Denver offers scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities to support early childhood teachers and leaders.
There are more paths into inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse, early childhood education than ever before and CU Denver can help you find yours.
Endorsement, Early Childhood Special Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: Endorsement
Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes
Designed for teachers with early childhood, elementary, or special education licenses to advance and deepen their expertise in educating young children with special needs and supporting their families. On-campus, hybrid, or fully online formats are available. Recipients become lead teachers in classrooms or specialists supporting classroom teachers.
Application​ deadlines
Rolling Admission
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver Online
What you'll learn
CU Denver’s Early Childhood Special Education endorsement is designed for licensed teachers with early childhood, elementary or special education teaching licenses. Designed to advance and deepen your expertise in educating young children with special needs and supporting their families, the endorsement may be completed on-campus, in a hybrid format or fully-online. It is fully accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and the Council for Exceptional Children. With this endorsement, you can lead classrooms or support classroom teaches in a specialist role.
As innovators of digital teaching and learning, our cohort-based online programs are highly ranked and in great demand.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development
You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your early childhood special education career. We have a name that is recognized for preparing top education specialists. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top school in the country.
Sample Courses
- ECED 5010 - Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
- ECED 6100 - Medical and Physiological Aspects of Development 3 credits
- ECED 5200 - Screening and Assessment of Young Children 3 credits
- ECED 5070 - Social Competence and Classroom Supports 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years
Required Credits for Completion:24
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: June 30
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 30
Application Requirements
- 2 recommendation letters
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
- Resume/CV
- Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
- $50.00 application fee
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.
Additional Information
This program is open to those who hold a valid Colorado elementary, early childhood education or special education (k-12) teaching license.