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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
Course Catalog

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.

ECE Educator Scholarships

ECE Educator Scholarships, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Colorado Department of Early Childhood, are designed for early childhood education students living in Colorado who are pursuing dedicated coursework, certificates and degrees up to a master’s degree. Awards vary dependent upon credit hours of enrollment and program. All eligible students receive some funding.

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