Early Childhood Teacher Certification

• Who Should Apply

  Individuals who are seeking employment as an Early Childhood Teacher assigned responsibility for a single group of children working under the supervision of a director, may apply for an Official Early Childhood Teacher Qualification Verification Letter from the Division of Early Care and Learning (DECL).

  Currently, an Early Childhood Teacher Verification letter is not required for employment. We do not issue licenses or certificates to Early Childhood Teachers.

  Review the Credential Equivalency Chart and Early Childhood Teacher Chart to help determine eligibility. 

• How to Apply

  The application process takes approximately 6-8 weeks from the time your complete application packet is received by the Division of Early Care and Learning (DECL) until the results of your evaluation are sent to you.

  Application Forms (Forms A, B and C) After you click on the link, select "Download" to save a copy of the forms.
   

  Complete an application packet:

  The complete application packet must include the following documents:

  • Application Data Form (Form A).
  • Verification Worksheet (Form B).
    • Attached supporting documentation (original transcripts and/or certificates). Accepted forms of transcript include sealed, official transcripts and official, emailed PDF transcripts received from college registrars.
    • DECL will NOT accept copies of official or unofficial transcripts (this includes, faxed, photocopied or emailed transcripts), computer printouts of transcripts, grade reports, etc.
  • Experience Verification Worksheet (Form C).
    • Attach the official experience letter to this form.

   

  You are encouraged to make a copy of your application packet prior to mailing it to the DECL. Once your evaluation has been completed and a final qualification letter issued, your entire file will be shredded. Application packet documents will not be returned to applicant.

   

  Mail the application packet to:

  Early Childhood Teacher Qualifications
  CDHS, Division of Early Care and Learning
  1575 Sherman Street, 1st Floor
  Denver, CO 80203-1714

• Application Review

  Once all documents are received, the Division will determine if you meet the requirements for Early Childhood Teacher qualification. You will receive one of two notices:

  • A  letter indicating that you are fully qualified. This is verification that you are Early Childhood Teacher qualified
  • An email indicating that you are not qualified to function as an Early Childhood Teacher. The email will explain what was accepted and what is needed to meet qualification requirements.
• Regionally Accrediting Organizations Recognized by the DECL

  Accepted, Regionally Institutional Accrediting Organizations

  Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education (MSA)
  
  New England Association of Schools and Colleges - Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
  
  Higher Learning Commission (formerly called North Central Association of Colleges and Schools - The Higher Learning Commission) (HLC)
  
  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
  
  Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  
  Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC-ACSCU)

  
  NOT Accepted, Regionally Institutional Accrediting Organizations

  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees (NCA-CASI)
  
  New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (NEASC-CTCI)
  
  Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)
   
• Resources
  • Early Childhood Councils
  • Pyramid Plus
  • Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) 
  • Transcripts from colleges and universities outside of the United States must be evaluated for United States equivalency. Visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of organizations that provide evaluation services.