Developmental and Family Sciences, Mile High Early Learning Partnership

In this master’s degree program, students will develop a deeper understanding of children's learning and development, family systems and dynamics, and culturally responsive practices. The program provides students with hands-on experiences, opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, and the skills necessary to pursue leadership opportunities in organizations that serve urban and diverse families, young children, and their communities.

This 30-credit hour degree is designed to be completed in two years with the program beginning summer term each year. Some students may choose to complete their courses beyond two years in order to balance working full-time and being a student.

As Denver’s oldest and largest provider of subsidized high-quality early childhood education, Mile High Early Learning offers year-round programs in seven early learning centers and two drop-in centers that serve Denver’s poorest neighborhoods and engages parents and informal child care providers through community education programs such as Babies Ready for College. Through its Professional Learning Center, Mile High Early Learning provides training with hands-on practical experiences to early learning professionals. The organization serves over 9,000 children and families annually and collaborates with other early childhood programs to expand access to and increase the quality of early childhood education.

This partnership combines the expertise of CU Denver’s faculty with Mile High Early Learning staff’s real-world know-how of fostering the achievement and well-being of diverse urban children and families. Together, we provide students with deep theoretical background combined with practice-based experiences and knowledge.