Internship Program
The Internship Program* at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Children’s Center allows you to gain valuable introductory experience in the field of early childhood education. As an intern, you will be mentored by an internship program coach, in addition to working with experienced, fully qualified early childhood teachers. You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our toddler and preschool classrooms.
*Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the internship.
Internship Phases
Interns are welcome to join us just for Phase 1 or they may continue to Phases 2 and 3
Semester Internship
Begins Each Semester
High school and college students volunteer at the Children's Center during the school year to learn about the profession or to take the first steps toward a professional qualification.
- Semester-long commitment
- Minimum of 45 hours of structured experience
- Professional training on-site
- Check with your school to see if an internship counts towards credit hours.
During this time, the intern will acquire knowledge about working with children under the supervision of an internship coach and a qualified early childhood lead teacher.
Phase 1 Internship
Begins Each Semester
High school and college students volunteer at the Children's Center during the school year to learn about the profession or to take the first steps toward a professional qualification.
- A minimum of 135 hours of structured experience
- Professional training on-site
- Check with your school to see if an internship counts toward credit hours
During this time, the intern will acquire knowledge about working with children under the supervision of an internship coach and a qualified early childhood lead teacher. Interns who complete the Phase I Internship in a satisfactory manner are invited to interview for employment by the Children’s Center as a temporary child care aide/intern over an eight-week period of the summer.
Phase 2 Internship
Summer Semester
Successful Phase 1 interns apply and interview for a full-time, paid position to work as a temporary childcare aide/intern over the summer.
- 8 hrs/day, Mon.-Fri., for 8 weeks
- 320 hours of structured experience
- Once complete: Eligible for Colorado assistant early childhood teacher certification
See below for more details about the assistant early childhood teacher certification.
Phase 3 Internship
Academic Year
Successful Phase 2 interns are invited to return as volunteers at the Children's Center during the school year.
- Onsite professional training
- Once complete: Advance your qualifications toward an early childhood teacher certification
See below for more details about the early childhood teacher certification.
Teaching Certifications
Eligibility is contingent on meeting certification requirements with the Colorado Department of Education.
Assistant Early Childhood Teacher
- Works in collaboration with a lead teacher
- Develops and implements lesson plans
- Teaches developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Communicates with families
During Phases 1 and 2, you will be working toward certification as an Assistant Early Childhood Teacher in Colorado by qualifying for at least 10 points, in 2 categories, towards a Level I Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0.
We support you in completing the other requirements of qualification including hands-on experience, verification of hours of experience, professional development training and the required medical and background check for the profession.
This certification will allow you to work as an assistant early childhood teacher anywhere in Colorado.
Early Childhood Teacher
- In collaboration with the center directors, trains assistant teachers and mentors program interns
- Supervises and interacts with children in the assigned classroom using appropriate guidance techniques
- Writes and implements age-appropriate activities and lesson plans for educational and recreational purposes
- Builds strong relationships with families
- Ensures a safe environment and safe conditions on the playground
- Prepares for lunch, snack and nap time
- Consults with parents regarding the needs of ill children or children with behavioral problems
- Maintains or exceeds health standards; and completes reports concerning child development and other center needs
During Phase 3, you will take the last steps of training, coaching and experience toward fulfilling the requirements to become an Early Childhood Teacher/Small Center Director in the State of Colorado.
You can earn at least 21 points, in 2 categories, toward a Level II Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0