Professional Pathways Program
Start Your Career in Early Childhood Education
at Mountain Trails!
Whether you're just getting started or are an early childhood professional, we will help you get you where you want to be. Providing you career path support is a vital part of our work. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide around 60 childcare seats for children from birth to age 6, with a sliding-scale tuition system to ensure affordability. Mountain Trail will provide learner support in pursuing ECE certifications including guidance, scholarships, internships, practicum hours, and childcare while pursuing certification. Clear Creek also plans to encourage others to open childcare centers within the county by providing guidance and resources to all centers.
We look forward to helping you launch this rewarding profession here in Clear Creek!
Levels of Certifications
Teachers (certified)
Educators (un-certified)
Caretakers
Assistant teachers
School admin and staff
Earn While You Learn
The Professional Pathways Program offers accessible levels of certification that allow you to study at the same time as you are working. We work closely with Red Rocks Community College to further your own education at the same time as you are educating and nurturing the next generation.
Your individual pathway to becoming an EC Teacher (career paths, guidance counselors, programs near Clear Creek)
Career Pathways Brochure
Financial Help
Free classes
Scholarships
Stipend
Study help (mentors, tutoring, study group)
Support services - transportation, computer/internet access, childcare
Training/Classroom Time
Mentorship Program
Colorado Shines Professional Credential for All EC Professionals
Colorado Shines provides a professional credential that is valued by Colorado employers. The Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 has six levels, each with distinct requirements. Early Childhood Teachers are expected to reach at least Level 2. Requirements for advancement vary and may include – but are not limited to – additional coursework.
The Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) also offers online courses, scholarships, and licenses for advancement.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Stipends
Child Development Associate (CDA)
The CDA credential is available for FREE through scholarships and stipends. Apply for a stipend and scholarship for the CDA here. (where did I get this form??)
Register at TEACH.org
Enroll in the Red Rocks Community College CDA program.
Submit proof of enrollment
Child Care Apprenticeship Program
Up to $1500 per semester to cover costs associated with education requirements of the apprenticeship program.
o $500 stipend at the beginning of the program to support upfront costs such as child care, living expenses, and other wraparound supports.
o $500 at the completion of the 6-month probationary period.
Available for Teaching and Administrative Positions
TEACH.org offers financial aid (teachers, administrators) and it’s free to register—this is also a great resource for people just getting into the profession or those looking to gain more education and credentials.
Other scholarships and grants are posted on the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance website.
Contact Us
Roadmap: Director Program
The coursework you complete to become a teacher earns credentials towards administration, too.
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education with coursework in administration
Red Rocks Community College offers the Early Childhood Education AAS Degree. - This program prepares you to work as a professional in a variety of capacities in early childhood education. Completing this program prepares you for teaching and/or administrative positions in early care and education settings. See RRCC’s Pathway.
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/ Child Development with coursework in administration
Graduate degree in Early Childhood Program Administration
