Through a partnership with Joint Initiatives and the Colorado Small Business Development Center, UCCS is establishing the Early Childhood Education Bootcamp (ECE Bootcamp), a first-of-its-kind program to deliver an essential comprehensive curriculum designed specifically for aspiring childcare entrepreneurs.
The ten-week, cost-effective course offers ten interactive modules for covering market analysis, business planning, licensing and regulations, budgeting, HR, staff development, child-centered environments, financials and marketing strategies, along with Q&A sessions and online discussions. By partnering with Joint Initiatives and the Colorado Small Business Development Center, the program also offers guidance, licensing expertise, integration of existing childcare resources, small business development resources, financial planning support and pathways for ongoing entrepreneurial mentorship.
“When opportunity is within reach, lives change,” said Sarah E. Long, Ph.D., Assistant Dean & Director of Student Affairs. “Childcare is at the heart of every thriving community and the foundation of a strong economy. By making training affordable and accessible, the ECE Bootcamp gives people the chance to turn their passion for helping others into real impact, opening doors for those who want to create safe, welcoming spaces where families grow, and communities thrive.”
The ECE Bootcamp will equip participants with both regulatory know-how and the business acumen to thrive as childcare providers. By combining early childhood expertise with entrepreneurial support, the program addresses childcare shortage while creating pathways for community-based economic growth. UCCS and Joint Initiatives also worked with the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA) to develop the program to ensure it is tailored to Colorado’s unique childcare landscape.
The entire ten-week ECE Bootcamp is offered at $199 per student. To apply for the program, visit UCCS Academic Outreach.
For more information on the course, refer to the document at the top or contact Joanne Shudell, and to learn more about enrolling, contact [email protected].