Best Early Childhood Education Degrees in Greeley Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Greeley, Colorado offers two primary pathways for Early Childhood Education: University of Northern Colorado for bachelor’s, master’s, and licensure programs; and Aims Community College for affordable certificates and associate degrees.
• UNC is nationally recognized for teacher preparation and offers strong clinical placements in local school districts.
• Aims provides cost-effective entry points with seamless transfer options to UNC and other Colorado universities.
• Programs align with Colorado Department of Early Childhood and Colorado Department of Education licensure standards.
• Choosing the right degree depends on your career goal: preschool teacher, licensed elementary teacher, instructional coach, or program administrator.

Why Study Early Childhood Education in Greeley, Colorado?

Greeley is one of Colorado’s strongest hubs for educator preparation. Located in Weld County, the region has growing demand for qualified early childhood professionals due to expanding preschool programs and Colorado’s universal preschool initiatives. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts, Head Start programs, childcare centers, and community agencies.

When searching for the best Early Childhood Education degrees in Greeley Colorado, two institutions dominate the landscape: University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College. Below, you’ll find a detailed, side-by-side comparison, program insights, tuition considerations, and career outcomes.

Side-by-Side Comparison of ECE Programs in Greeley

InstitutionDegree OptionsLicensure PathwayFormatIdeal ForUniversity of Northern Colorado (UNC)BA in Early Childhood EducationMA in Early Childhood Special EducationPost-baccalaureate licensureColorado teacher licensure (Birth–Grade 3)On-campus; some hybrid/graduate online componentsStudents seeking teaching licensure or leadership rolesAims Community CollegeAAS in Early Childhood EducationCertificatesQualifies for Colorado ECE credential levels; transferable to 4-year programsOn-campus and some online coursesStudents seeking affordable entry-level credentials or transfer pathway

University of Northern Colorado: Flagship Teacher Preparation

Why UNC Stands Out

The University of Northern Colorado is widely recognized for excellence in educator preparation. Its Early Childhood Education program focuses on children from birth through third grade and blends theory, research, and hands-on practice.

UNC consistently receives strong rankings for education programs nationally. Its long-standing reputation in teacher preparation gives graduates a competitive advantage in Colorado school districts.

Undergraduate Degree: BA in Early Childhood Education

This program prepares students for Colorado teacher licensure in Early Childhood Education. Coursework typically includes:

• Child growth and development
• Early literacy and language development
• Math and science methods for young learners
• Culturally responsive teaching
• Assessment and observation techniques

Students complete supervised field placements in local schools and early learning centers. A full-time student can typically complete the program in four years.

Graduate Options: Master’s and Advanced Licensure

UNC also offers graduate-level programs, including a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education. These programs are ideal for:

• Licensed teachers seeking specialization
• Professionals pursuing leadership roles
• Educators focused on inclusive classrooms and early intervention

Graduate programs may include hybrid coursework, making them attractive to working professionals in Greeley and surrounding communities.

Clinical Experience and Local Partnerships

One of UNC’s strongest advantages is its deep connection to Weld County schools. Students gain structured teaching experience in:

• Greeley-Evans School District 6
• Local preschools and child development centers
• Early intervention programs

This practical training strengthens job placement prospects after graduation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition varies based on residency status. In-state Colorado students benefit from significantly lower rates. UNC offers:

• Federal financial aid
• Education-specific scholarships
• Work-study opportunities
• Teacher shortage and service-based grants

Students pursuing licensure may also qualify for state or federal loan forgiveness programs if they teach in high-need areas.

Aims Community College: Affordable and Flexible Entry Point

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Aims Community College provides an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education designed for students entering the workforce quickly or planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

Core curriculum includes:

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice
• Guidance Strategies for Young Children
• Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Certificates for Immediate Workforce Entry

Aims offers stackable certificates that meet Colorado’s Early Childhood Professional Credential requirements. These are ideal for:

• Assistant teachers
• Childcare center employees
• Home-based childcare providers

Students can often complete certificates in under a year.

Transfer Pathways to UNC

Aims maintains articulation agreements with four-year universities, including UNC. This allows students to transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

For cost-conscious students, this 2+2 pathway significantly reduces total tuition expenses.

Flexible Learning Options

Many Aims courses are offered online or in hybrid formats, making it easier for working adults to balance employment and education.

Licensure and Accreditation in Colorado

When evaluating programs, accreditation and licensure alignment are critical.

• UNC programs align with Colorado Department of Education teacher licensure requirements.
• Aims programs align with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood credentialing system.
• Both institutions are regionally accredited, ensuring credit transferability and eligibility for federal financial aid.

Students seeking to become licensed public school teachers should pursue a bachelor’s degree with licensure preparation, typically through UNC.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

Graduates of Early Childhood Education programs in Greeley pursue roles such as:

• Preschool teacher
• Kindergarten or primary grade teacher
• Early intervention specialist
• Childcare center director
• Instructional coordinator

According to national labor data, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn significantly higher median salaries than preschool teachers, particularly with licensure and advanced degrees. In Colorado, teacher salaries vary by district but generally exceed national averages in metropolitan and growing regions.

Advanced degrees from UNC may also open pathways into administration, curriculum development, or higher education roles.

How to Choose the Right Program in Greeley

Choose UNC If You:

• Want Colorado teacher licensure
• Plan to teach in public elementary schools
• Are interested in earning a graduate degree
• Want robust supervised teaching placements

Choose Aims If You:

• Need an affordable starting point
• Plan to work while studying
• Want to enter childcare quickly
• Intend to transfer to a four-year university later

Application Requirements Overview

UNC Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Official transcripts
• GPA requirements for teacher education admission
• Background check for field placements

Aims Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Placement assessments if required
• Minimal barriers for certificate enrollment

Prospective students should contact admissions advisors early to discuss timelines, financial aid, and practicum requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Early Childhood Education Degrees in Greeley, Colorado

What is the main difference between UNC and Aims for Early Childhood Education?

UNC offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that lead to Colorado teacher licensure, especially if you want to teach in public schools (Birth–Grade 3). Aims offers affordable certificates and an associate degree focused on entry-level ECE jobs and a transfer pathway to a four-year university like UNC.

Which program should you choose if you want Colorado teacher licensure?

If your goal is to become a licensed teacher in public preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary grades, you should plan on earning a bachelor’s degree with licensure at UNC. You may start at Aims for lower-cost credits, then transfer to UNC to finish your licensure program.

How long does it take to finish an Early Childhood Education degree in Greeley?

A full-time student usually completes an associate degree at Aims in about two years and a bachelor’s degree at UNC in about four years. Many certificates at Aims can be finished in less than one year, and master’s programs at UNC often take one to two years of graduate study.

Can you work while earning an Early Childhood Education degree in Greeley?

Yes. Aims offers many courses in online or hybrid formats, which can fit around part-time or full-time work. UNC also provides some hybrid and online options, especially at the graduate level, but undergraduate licensure programs include in-person fieldwork you must complete during the day.

What jobs can you get with an Early Childhood Education degree from Greeley?

With an associate degree or certificate from Aims, you can work as a preschool teacher, assistant teacher, or childcare provider. With a bachelor’s degree and licensure from UNC, you can teach in public preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary grades, and you can later move into roles like instructional coach, early intervention specialist, or program administrator.