Whether you're considering homeschooling or going to a public school in Colorado, there are many options available for your child's education. These include public, online and private schools. Discover all the available options, and how to select the right one for you child. Colorado has many great features that will keep kids active and learning.
Public schools
Colorado's public schools offer open enrollment. This means that your child can either attend their local school or apply for another school. This can be confusing. That's why DPS created a one-application, one-deadline process in 2011. It was created using research from Nobel Prize winner Dr. Al Roth.
Although most Colorado children attend traditional public schools there are other options. Colorado public schools are free and open to all students, and are funded by the federal, state, and local governments. According to the Colorado Department of Education (DoE), public schools receive $11,602 annually for every K-12 student. Project Nickel gives you more information about Colorado school spending.
Consider the cost of magnet or public charter schools. Some private schools require tuition, others are free. Independent schools may be more expensive but offer strong scholarships to encourage families to sign up.
Online schools
Online schools are becoming more popular in Colorado. Colorado's online colleges offer flexibility, so you can earn your degree at home or take classes on a schedule that suits you. Colorado online colleges will accept students from around the globe. For more information about their programs, contact school advisors.
Consider accreditation when selecting an online college or university. Some schools have national accreditation, while others have regional accreditation. Regionally accredited schools usually meet higher standards. Financial aid is often available at accredited schools. You can transfer credits from regionally accredited online colleges to nationally accredited schools. If you have financial difficulty affording an online school, look for programs with a lower tuition fee.
Recent surveys revealed that most online college students in Colorado go to public universities. However, there are also private for-profit colleges and universities in the state. About half of the state’s postsecondary institutions was for-profit in 2012. These included 24 four-year institutions as well as 17 two-year college. The rest of the state's colleges and universities were public or nonprofit.
Homeschooling
Colorado homeschooling is an alternative to traditional schooling. The state offers many homeschooling laws and programs. Your child can also be educated in the privacy of their own home. These programs include enrichment classes, cooperatives, and record-keeping to track attendance and grades. Many schools also have access to enrichment programs that are publically funded. These services are only available to registered students.
Homeschooling parents were active in lobbying for changes to the state's education law during the 1980s. Senate Bill 138, while it passed the Senate, failed to make it through the House. Representatives from both sides of the aisle feared that the bill would give parents too many freedoms and not enough protections.
Parents in Colorado must meet certain guidelines before they can homeschool their children. Colorado has a homeschooling option for parents. However, children younger than six must attend a public or privately-funded school. Although homeschooling is generally allowed up to 6 years, parents may opt to start sooner. In addition, parents must submit test results to the school district.
FAQ
How long does it take to become an early childhood teacher?
The four-year process to earn a bachelor's level in early child education takes. Two years will be spent taking the general education courses required of most universities.
After finishing your undergraduate degree, you'll usually be accepted into graduate school. This step allows you to specialize in a particular area of study.
For example, you could choose to focus on child psychology or learning disabilities. After you complete your master's, it is time to apply to a teacher-preparation program.
This process can take many years. During this period, you will work with experienced educators to gain real-world knowledge.
You will also need to pass state exams in order to become a teacher.
It takes many years for this process to complete, so you may not be able immediately to join the workforce.
How much money does a teacher make in early childhood education? (earning potential)
An average salary for an early childhood teacher is $45,000 annually
However, there is an exception to the rule: salaries in some areas tend to be more than average. For example, teachers who work in large urban districts often earn more than those working in rural schools.
Salaries also depend on factors like how large the district is, and whether or non-degree-holding teachers.
Because they lack experience, teachers often make less than other college graduates. However, their salaries can rise dramatically over time.
What is the difference between college or school?
Schools are usually divided into classes (or grades), with a teacher who is responsible for teaching a specific class. Colleges are larger institutions that offer more specialized programs and include many university-level courses. Colleges may focus more on business and science while schools will usually only teach basic subjects. The curriculum at both levels is designed to prepare students for further study at higher levels.
What is the best way to start teaching early childhood?
You must first decide if you want to pursue a career in early childhood education. A bachelor's degree is required if you are interested in a career as an early childhood educator. Some states require students hold a master's degree.
You will also likely need to attend classes during the summer months. These courses cover topics such as pedagogy (the art of teaching) and curriculum development.
Many colleges offer associate programs that lead to teaching certifications.
Some schools offer certificates, while others offer bachelor's and master's degrees. However, some schools only offer diplomas.
Teaching at home may be possible without additional training.
What is a trade school?
For those who have not been able to get a degree at traditional higher education institutions, trade schools offer an alternative route. They offer career-oriented programs that help students get prepared for specific careers. Students enrolling in these programs typically complete two years of coursework in a single semester and then enter into a paid apprenticeship program where they learn a job skill set and receive on-the-job training. Trade schools can include technical schools, community colleges and junior colleges as well as universities. Some trade schools also offer associate degrees.
What does it mean for a teacher to teach early childhood education?
Special training is required for teachers in early childhood education. Most states require applicants for teaching positions to have certification from the state board before they are allowed to work in public school.
Some states require teachers passing tests in math and reading.
Some states require teachers with early childhood education degrees to complete a set number of hours.
Many states have minimum requirements for teachers. However, these requirements vary widely between states.
How do you get scholarships?
To help pay college expenses, scholarships are grants. There are many kinds of scholarships. These are:
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Federal Grants
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State Grants
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Student Loans
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Work Study Programs
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Financial Aid
Federal grants are made directly by the U.S. government. Federal grants are subject to certain conditions. To demonstrate financial need, applicants must meet certain requirements.
Individual states can offer grants to state governments. State grants can be offered by each state based upon financial need, while others are given for specific purposes.
Banks and lending institutions offer student loans. Students usually borrow money to cover tuition and living costs.
Employers should be encouraged to use work-study programs to help them hire qualified students. Employers are required to pay employees at least minimum wage.
Financial aid allows low-income families to afford college by paying for all or part of their tuition costs.
Statistics
- Globally, in 2008, around 89% of children aged six to twelve were enrolled in primary education, and this proportion was rising. (en.wikipedia.org)
- And, within ten years of graduation, 44.1 percent of 1993 humanities graduates had written to public officials, compared to 30.1 percent of STEM majors. (bostonreview.net)
- “Children of homeowners are 116% more likely to graduate from college than children of renters of the same age, race, and income. (habitatbroward.org)
- Among STEM majors, that number is 83.5 percent. (bostonreview.net)
- Data from the Department of Education reveal that, among 2008 college graduates, 92.8 percent of humanities majors have voted at least once since finishing school. (bostonreview.net)
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How To
What is vocational Education?
Vocational education prepares students for the workforce after high school. Students are trained in specific skills to be able to do a particular job such as welding. This includes apprenticeship programs and on-thejob training. Vocational education is different from general education in that it prepares individuals for specific career paths rather than acquiring broad knowledge for future uses. The goal of vocational education is not necessary to prepare people for university study but to help them find jobs upon graduation.
Vocational education may be provided at all levels of schooling, including primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, technical institutes, trade schools, community colleges, junior colleges, and four-year institutions. In addition, there are many specialized schools such as culinary arts schools, nursing schools, law schools, medical schools, dental schools, veterinary medicine schools, firefighting schools, police academies, military academies, and other military schools. Many of these provide both academic instruction and practical experience.
Over the last decade, several countries have made significant investment in vocational education. It is still controversial whether vocational education is effective. Some critics say it does not improve students' employability. Other argue that it prepares them well for life beyond school.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 47% of American adults have a postsecondary certificate. This number is higher for those with higher education. 71% of 25-29-year-olds have a bachelor's or higher degree and are employed in areas that require postsecondary credentials.
The BLS reported that almost half the adult population of the country had at least one form of postsecondary credential as of 2012. Around one-third of Americans hold a two or four-year associate degree. One in five Americans has a master's or doctorate.
The median annual wage for individuals with a bachelor's in 2013 was $50,000. This was compared to $23,800 when they had no degree. For those with advanced degrees, the median wage was $81,300.
The median income for those who have not completed high school was just $15,200. Those with less than a high school diploma earned $13,000 per year.