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Trinidad State College

EarlyChildhoodEducation

Shape the future by shaping young minds. Earn a certificate or degree while gaining hands-on experience with children from infancy through third grade.

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Early
AAS & Certificates Available

Career Paths

Imagine Yourself as a…

ECE graduates work in a wide range of roles supporting children and families. Here are just a few of the careers you could pursue.

Classroom Teacher
Daycare Director
Family & Child Support Provider
Infant/Toddler Specialist
Home Hospital Teacher
Home Therapy Services Provider
Professional Nanny
Tutor

Degrees & Certificates

Whether you want a full degree or a fast credential, every TSC program earns you industry certifications and every certificate stacks toward the degree.

Full Degree

AAS in Early Childhood Education

60 credit hours · 4 semesters

A comprehensive applied degree covering theory, practice, curriculum, administration, and a real-world practicum experience.

Curriculum designClassroom management
Transfer Degree

AA in Early Childhood Teacher Education

60 credit hours · 4 semesters

Designed for transfer to a four-year program. Leads to the Teacher Preparation pathway (Early Childhood BA). Includes guaranteed transfer courses.

Child growth & developmental theoryFamily & community engagement

Early Childhood Teacher Education

15 credit hours · 2 semesters

A foundational credential covering introductory ECE, guidance strategies, curriculum methods, and child development.

View Pathway

Guidance strategies for young childrenECE curriculum methods & techniques

Infant/Toddler Supervisor

21 credit hours · 2 semesters

Specialized preparation for working with and supervising infant and toddler programs in childcare settings.

Infant & toddler care theory & practiceLab techniques for infant/toddler settings

Director of Education

30 credit hours · 2 semesters

Prepares you to administer and lead early childhood care and education programs, including human relations and program management.

Early childhood program administrationHuman relations & staff management
Required Background Check Professional Licensure Info Colorado Transfer Degrees

Program Cost

Tuition rates are identical at Trinidad and Valley campuses. Fees vary slightly by campus and credit load — see the full schedule for exact per-term totals. Course-specific fees (lab materials, software, certification exams) vary by program and are charged per course. Estimates do not include books, supplies, or room and board. Rates are for 2025–2026 and subject to change.
In-State Resident
$183.75/cr hr
$299.75/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend
Must be a Colorado resident to qualify for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).
WUE Student
$275.60/cr hr
Per-credit-hour rate
Western Undergraduate Exchange rate for residents of AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY & US Pacific territories. Learn more at wiche.edu
Out-of-State
$306.40/cr hr
Standard non-resident rate
COF stipend does not apply. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to all students regardless of residency.
Apply Now Course Specific Fees › Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships › Trinidad Tuition Schedule (PDF) › Valley Tuition Schedule (PDF) ›

Where You Can Study

This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.

TrinidadTrinidad, CO 81082
Trinidad Campus
Address: 600 Prospect StPhone: (719) 846-5011
ValleyAlamosa, CO 81101
Valley Campus
Address: 1011 Main StPhone: (719) 589-7000

Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree

Click any semester to see the full course list.

Program Code:AAS_ECEConcentration: CIP Code:13.1210
1

Semester One

English composition and foundational early childhood education coursework in teaching techniques and infant/toddler theory, paired with a math elective.

15credit hours
⌄
  • ENG 1021 – English Composition I: GT-CO1 (3 credits)
  • ECE 1011 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 1045 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 1111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

  • MAT 1140 – Career Math
  • MAT 1240 – Mathematics for Liberal Arts: GT-MA1
  • MAT 1260 – Introduction to Statistics: GT-MA1
  • MAT 1340 – College Algebra: GT-MA1
2

Semester Two

Child guidance, infant/toddler lab techniques, nutrition and safety, curriculum development, and language and cognition — building a comprehensive early childhood education skill set.

15credit hours
⌄
  • ECE 1031 – Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3 credits)
  • ECE 1125 – Intro to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2051 – ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety (3 credits)
  • ECE 2621 – ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2631 – Language and Cognition for the Young (3 credits)
3

Semester Three

Creativity, child development, and early childhood program administration, rounded out by a general education and a psychology elective.

15credit hours
⌄
  • ECE 2641 – Creativity and the Young Child (3 credits)
  • PSY 2441 – Child Development: GT: SS3 (3 credits)
  • ECE 2401 – Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs

Choose one: (3 credits) (AH1, AH2, AH3, AH4, SS1, SS2, SS3, SC1, SC2)

  • PSC 1011 – American Gvt.: GT-SS1
  • HIS 1210 – US History to Reconstruction: GT- HI1
  • MUS 1020 – Music Appreciation: GT-AH1
  • ART 1110 – Art Appreciation: GT-AH1
  • THE 1005 – Theatre Appreciation: GT-AH1
  • SCI 1105 – Science in Society: GT-SC2

Choose one: (3 credits)

  • PSY 1001 – General Psychology I: GT-SS3
  • PSY 1002 – General Psychology II: GT-SS3
4

Semester Four

Computer applications, program administration, special needs education, and a hands-on practicum, rounded out by a communication elective.

15credit hours
⌄
  • CIS 1018 – Intro to PC Applications (3 credits)
  • ECE 2411 – Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 2601 – Exceptional Child (3 credits)
  • ECE 2088 – Practicum: Early Childhood Education (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

  • COM 1150 – Public Speaking
  • COM 1250 – Interpersonal Commication
Total Program Credits: 60

Early Childhood Teacher Education Transfer Major - Associate of Arts

Click any semester to see the full course list.

Program Code:AA_AAConcentration:DECTCIP Code:13.1210
1

Semester One

English composition, math, and general psychology, paired with foundational early childhood education and child guidance coursework.

16credit hours
⌄
  • ENG 1021 – English Composition I: GT-CO1 (3 credits)
  • MAT 1240 – Mathematics for Liberal Arts: GT-MA1 (4 credits)
  • PSY 1001 – General Psychology: GT-SS3 (3 credits)
  • ECE 1011 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 1031 – Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3 credits)
2

Semester Two

English Composition II, world regional geography, and early childhood education techniques, rounded out by a history elective and an arts elective.

15credit hours
⌄
  • ENG 1022 – English Composition II: GT-CO1 (3 credits)
  • GEO 1005 – World Regional Geography: GT-SS2 (3 credits)
  • ECE 1045 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits) (HI1 — additional GT courses available)

  • HIS 1210 – US History to Reconstruction: GT- HI1
  • HIS 1220 – US History since the Civil War:GT-HI1

Choose one: (3 credits) (AH1)

  • ART 1110 – Art Appreciation: GT-AH1
  • MUS 1020 – Music Appreciation: GT-AH1
  • THE 1005 – Theatre Appreciation: GT-AH1
3

Semester Three

Integrated science and child growth and development, paired with a literature elective and an early childhood education elective.

13credit hours
⌄
  • SCI 1055 – Integrated Science I-Physics and Chemistry with Lab: GT-SC1 (4 credits)
  • ECE 2381 – ECE Child Growth and Development (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

  • LIT 1015 – Introduction to Literature I: GT-AH2
  • LIT 2055 – Children’s Literature

Choose one: (3 credits) (Elective*)

  • ECE 1111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice
  • ECE 1125 – Introduction to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques
  • ECE 2051 – ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety
  • ECE 2401 – Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs
  • ECE 2411 – Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education
  • ECE 2601 – The Exceptional Child
4

Semester Four

Integrated science, curriculum development, and family engagement, rounded out by two electives drawn from early childhood education and general studies.

16credit hours
⌄
  • SCI 1056 – Integrated Science II-Earth and Science with Lab: GT-SC1 (4 credits)
  • ECE 2621 – ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2101 – Working with Parents, Families and Communities (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits) (Elective)

  • ECE 2641 – Creativity and the Young Child
  • MAT 1260 – Introduction to Statistics: GT-MA1
  • PSY 1002 – General Psychology II : GT-SS3
  • BIO 1004 – A Human Approach: SC1
  • PSY 2440 – Human Growth and Developmnt: GT-SS3

Choose one: (3 credits) (Elective*)

  • ECE 1111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice
  • ECE 1125 – Introduction to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques
  • ECE 2051 – ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety
  • ECE 2401 – Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs
  • ECE 2411 – Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education
  • ECE 2601 – The Exceptional Child
Total Program Credits: 60

* This degree has specific requirements for grades on certain courses. For the most current information, visit CDHE Transfer Agreements.

** Check with your receiving four-year institution for specific elective courses needed. It is the student’s responsibility to work with a transfer advisor to determine which electives are required for their transfer path.

Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement

This degree transfers toward a Bachelor’s Degree at the following Colorado public four-year institutions:

  • Adams State University
  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Colorado State University—Fort Collins
  • Colorado State University—Pueblo
  • Fort Lewis College
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  • University of Colorado Denver
  • University of Northern Colorado

Certificate Curriculum

Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.

CIP Code:13.1210

Early Childhood Teacher Education Certificate

A two-semester program building foundational early childhood education skills in teaching techniques, child guidance, curriculum development, and child development.

15credit hours
⌄
Program Code:AA_AA

Semester One (6 credits)

  • ECE 1011 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 1031 – Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3 credits)

Semester Two (9 credits)

  • ECE 1045 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2621 – ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques (3 credits)
  • PSY 2441 – Child Development: GT: SS3 (3 credits)

Infant/Toddler Supervisor Certificate

A two-semester program covering early childhood education foundations, infant and toddler theory and practice, child development, guidance strategies, and curriculum development.

21credit hours
⌄
Program Code:CER_ED4

Semester One (12 credits)

  • ECE 1011 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 1045 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 1111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • PSY 2441 – Child Development: GT: SS3 (3 credits)

Semester Two (9 credits)

  • ECE 1031 – Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3 credits)
  • ECE 1125 – Intro to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2621 – ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques (3 credits)

Early Childhood Director Certificate

A two-semester program covering early childhood education foundations, infant and toddler theory, child development, and program administration, alongside guidance strategies, nutrition and safety, curriculum development, and special needs education.

30credit hours
⌄
Program Code:CER_4ED3

Semester One (15 credits)

  • ECE 1011 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 1045 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 1111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • ECE 2401 – Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs (3 credits)
  • PSY 2441 – Child Development: GT: SS3 (3 credits)

Semester Two (15 credits)

  • ECE 1031 – Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3 credits)
  • ECE 2051 – ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety (3 credits)
  • ECE 2621 – ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques (3 credits)
  • ECE 2411 – Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  • ECE 2601 – Exceptional Child (3 credits)
All courses completed in any Certificate program count toward the degree. You never lose credits by starting with a certificate.

Where You'll Go

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Contact Us

Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.

Dr. Emily Hammer portrait
Dr. Emily Hammer
(719) 589-7051
Valley