Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Coaching

Program Details

Coaching has been shown to have a major influence on early childhood professional practice that, in turn, improves program quality and child growth outcomes in early childhood settings. Quality relationship-based teaching and learning is instrumental to positive early childhood experiences. The coach and coaching partner relationship focuses specifically on maximizing the human potential of professionals in the field.

The University of Colorado Denver’s three-course certificate will provide you with foundational coaching skills and practices, peer connections, reflection, self-awareness, and systems thinking. Strong coaching relationships will help you achieve positive results with coworkers, networks, and children in your care. The unique cohort model used in this coaching certificate program inspires equity, diversity and inclusion as the group creates collective accountability in co-learning. Students have come from all over the U.S., representing a variety of cultures and languages. They work in public, private, federally/state-funded, tribal, and regional early education programs.

This is the only university certificate in the U.S. that pairs the early childhood profession with universal coaching strategies. It is uniquely designed to work seamlessly and in coordination with most early childhood curricular approaches and teaching practices.

Discover research-based strategies that support deepening your understanding of collaborative coaching and advance your ECE career. Learn to promote engaging and culturally supportive actions to make a difference in the lives of those in the early childhood community.

Certificate Structure and Cost

Complete the coaching certificate conveniently online

This online coaching certificate program provides the best of both worlds: a combination of online and synchronous learning. In addition to individual work that you will complete throughout the semester, each course meets virtually via Zoom for Tuesday classes. Courses require practicum that can also be completed virtually. We strongly recommend that these courses be taken in sequence and that students commit to all three courses and to the full completion of the program. This program is unlike most courses, in that it is based on the cohort members’ individual and collective thinking and learning. Collective accountability and the relationship-based coaching approach is what makes the program dynamic and successful.

Cost

Tuition cost for each 3-credit course is $1440. Student fees, course materials and other fees are additional costs. Students enrolled in non-degree, certificate programs are not eligible to apply for financial aid.

Known for excellence

Many educational leaders and coaches have received their advanced degrees from CU Denver. We have a name that is recognized for preparing leaders who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is a top school according to U.S. News & World Report.

Expert faculty

Our faculty are directly connected to the issues facing educational coaches today. With current connections to educators on the local, state, national and international levels, they are well-versed in the current and future climate that coaches face. Their guidance will prepare you to further your career while promoting social justice and inclusion in early childhood settings.

About the School of Education & Human Development

The School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in teaching and mental health. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world. Our graduates are recognized to be among the most prepared in the nation to support diverse languages, cultures and abilities in the classroom.

Information Sessions

• Monday, October 27, 2025; 2:00-3:00pm Mountain Time
• Wednesday, November 12, 2025; 9:00-10:00am Mountain Time
• Wednesday, December 10, 2025; 4:00-5:00pm Mountain Time
• Wednesday, January 7, 2026; 12:00-1:00pm Mountain Time

RSVP for an Information Session here