FAQ -Free 101 and 103 Coursework

Through this program, individuals can take Early Childhood Education (ECE) 101 and 103 at no cost to them. ECE 101 and 103 are the minimum coursework required to become an early childhood teacher. The goal of this program is to bring new professionals into the field and provide unemployed individuals, immigrants, and recent graduates a pathway to become an ECE educator without the up-front cost.

Fact Sheet for students (Spanish)

  • Currently, only Colorado Community College System campuses are participating. The list of 4-year institutions is available on the fact sheet for students.

  • Yes, this opportunity covers in-person or online fees and tuition at community colleges and equivalent courses at 4-year universities. An appeal process for out of state students working in Colorado will be established soon.

    • If you took the courses in the fall 2021, your coursework is eligible for reimbursement by your school. Courses taken before fall 2021 are not eligible for reimbursement.

    • Starting in Spring 2022, fees and tuition will be waived by your school during the enrollment process so there are no up-front or out-of-pocket costs.

    • Ask your early childhood employer if they might consider reimbursing your past education expenses through the Child Care Operations Stabilization and Workforce Sustainability Grants.

  • No, individuals will still need the appropriate number of verified hours of experience to be qualified to teach in an early care and education classroom.

  • No. If students would like to take additional coursework beyond ECE 101 and 103, they will need to apply for scholarships through the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Programs or the Apprenticeship Program, which will be announced in spring 2022. There will also be scholarships for the T.E.A.C.H. program, apprenticeships, and CDA scholarships.

    • Students who have questions about the status of reimbursement or waived fees should contact their financial aid office.

    • Institutions of higher education with questions about this funding opportunity should contact eceeducatorfunding@dhe.state.co.us.