Teach Pre-K in Colorado
Download our free guide, and learn how you can start right now.
What's on this page?
Starting in August 2023, Colorado kids can get 10–15 hours of free, high quality preschool each week. That means that public schools and licensed childcare centers are hiring thousands of Pre-K teachers!
You can get a job in Pre-K right now — even without a bachelor’s degree. Even better, you can get started with just two classes, which you can take for free.
TEACH Colorado will help you through the process with our downloadable guide, free advising and financial assistance.
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Why Pre-K?
Want to give back to your community? Start small. Like, preschool small.
Colorado’s youngest students need great teachers. As a Pre-K teacher, you’ll facilitate children's development and set them up for success in school and in life. You’ll help teach important values, too — like kindness, inclusion, cooperation, and self-advocacy. (1) Learn more about careers in early childhood education.
Hear from Deserae Gruntorad, Early Childhood Special Education:
How do I teach Pre-K in Colorado?
A teaching license and early childhood professional credential are not your only options to teach Pre-K! There are all kinds of other ways to get qualified. A TEACH Colorado advisor can help you map out a path.
Educator Impact
Public Education & Business Coalition, Resident Early Childhood Education Teacher
I want to help break down myths and stigmas about how men aren't primary grade level teachers. I also want to show students at a young age that men can be caring, empathetic and help them on their journey of growing up and being kind human beings.
Before you dismiss early childhood education, try finding videos or figuring out how to come observe an early childhood education classroom. This is such a prime time for social and emotional learning light bulbs, and it is truly wonderful to watch kids progress over the course of a year.
Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program, Resident Early Childhood Education Teacher
I decided to become an early childhood educator because children give me energy and I love learning alongside them. I find children's curiosity, passion, and hunger for knowledge is contagious. A career in early childhood education is wonderful if you have a curious mind and appreciate constant discovery and self-growth. The children with whom I work always challenge me to follow my interests and to grow as an empathetic, curious, and creative person.
University of Northern Colorado-Center for Urban Education, Early Childhood Education Teacher
I became an early childhood educator to make a difference in young lives. I have had many teachers throughout my education who have impacted my life for the better and I want to do the same. If early childhood education is what you want to do and you see yourself doing, then do it!
Public Education & Business Coalition, Resident Early Childhood Education Teacher
I want to help break down myths and stigmas about how men aren't primary grade level teachers. I also want to show students at a young age that men can be caring, empathetic and help them on their journey of growing up and being kind human beings.
Before you dismiss early childhood education, try finding videos or figuring out how to come observe an early childhood education classroom. This is such a prime time for social and emotional learning light bulbs, and it is truly wonderful to watch kids progress over the course of a year.
Do you have a degree? You can get qualified to teach Pre-K with just two additional classes (which you can take for free)!
How do I pay for my Pre-K training?
Get a $50 career stipend
TEACH Colorado will give you $50 when you land your first job as a lead Pre-K teacher!
To be eligible for one of our 200 career stipends, you must demonstrate that you subscribed with TEACH Colorado before you were hired. You will qualify if this is your first role as a lead Pre-K teacher in Colorado.
Talk to an Advisor
References
- “InBrief: Early Childhood Program Effectiveness.” Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-early-childhood-program-effectiveness/
- Early Childhood Teacher Certification. Colorado Department of Early Childhood. https://cdec.colorado.gov/early-childhood-teacher-certification
- “Free ECE 101 and 103 Coursework.” Colorado Department of Higher Education. https://cdhe.colorado.gov/sites/highered/files/documents/ECE%20101_103%20Fact%20Sheet%20v5.pdf
- “Removing Barriers to Educator Preparation.” Colorado Department of Higher Education. https://cdhe.colorado.gov/sites/highered/files/documents/Educator%20Stipends%20Guidance%209-12-22.pdf