Alert: The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025.
The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025. The Health Center is operating in a modified capacity. Call 303-615-9999 for appointment information during operating hours. Reminder, the Health Center is closed for the winter break Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.
Learn More
Early Childhood Special Education (License)
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: License
Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes
Offers a perfect fit for those interested in providing culturally responsive, family-centered, developmentally effective early education for children with disabilities in an inclusive setting. Specialists in early childhood special education are in high demand in Colorado and nationally, and play an important role as both lead teachers and specialists who support classroom teachers.
Application​ deadlines
Rolling Admission
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver Online
What you'll learn
Early childhood special education specialists are in high demand in Colorado and nationally. Prepared to teach children with disabilities as well as provide support for general ed teachers leading inclusive classrooms, ECE/SE licensed educators play an important role in the movement to include children with disabilities. CU Denver's Early Childhood Special Education license is a perfect fit for those interested in providing culturally responsive, family-centered, developmentally effective early education in an inclusive setting. This licensure program will prepare you with a strong background in assessment, teaching, intervention and collaboration to help you be successful in your career.
Some examples of what you will learn about in the program are:
- Child growth and development
- Medical and physiological aspects of developmental disabilities
- Screening and assessment of young children and intervention strategies
- Curriculum design and program development
Optional MA
ECSE licensure students may opt to add an MA degree in Early Childhood Education
Add-on ECSE Endorsement
If you are already a licensed teacher in early childhood, elementary, or special education, you may complete an add-on early childhood special education endorsement.
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 career in early childhood education. We have a name that is recognized for preparing leaders of excellence who value equal opportunities in education. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.
Sample Courses
- ECED 5060 - Working with Families and Communities 3 credits
- ECED 5010 - Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
- ECED 5080 - Language and Literacy in Young Children 3 credits
- ECED 5650 - Dual Language Learners Learning and Development 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years
Required Credits for Completion:36
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
We welcome applications from motivated individuals who have bachelor's degrees and a strong passion for education.
Field experiences are a part of each course and provide an opportunity for you to gain knowledge, abilities and dispositions while interacting with children, families, program staff and community agencies.
Students completing this license complete six credit hours (510 clock hours) between infant/toddler, preschool and primary levels practica. ECSE students may complete one of the three practica at their own work site.
Candidates must pass the PRAXIS 5691 (ECSE) exam and pass a practicum portfolio review before applying for licensure.
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.