Education & Human Development

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Info | Information on Majors | Graduation Requirements

Early Childhood Education
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Program
The state-approved Early Childhood Education program focuses on preparing professionals to work with children ages 0-8 and their families. Students graduating with this concentration will also be recommended for K-3 certification.

Emphasizing the latest research and instructional strategies, Early Childhood is integrated with other professional development programs in the College. Students apply for candidacy and prepare professional portfolios demonstrating competency in Maine's initial teacher standards.

Early Childhood Education is closely affiliated with the Katherine Miles Durst Child Development Learning Center in Merrill Hall, which serves as a Lab School for aspiring early childhood teachers and professionals. The center is one of the oldest campus-based nursery schools in the country, dating from the 1920’s and is also a state-approved kindergarten.

Graduates leave the program with understanding of how children learn, how teachers can best promote learning, the crucial role of the family and how teachers and parents can work together for the best interests of children. In addition to teaching, Early Childhood Education graduates enjoy careers in areas such as museums, recreation, publishing, early intervention, and a variety of social services and community programs.

Click here for a Closer Look at Early Childhood Education.

For Academic Fact Sheet information, including admission and major requirements, go to http://factsheets.umaine.edu/EDHD.htm.

For additional information about these majors, please contact:
O.J. Logue, Associate Dean
College of Education & Human Development
144 Shibles Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5766
(207) 581-2485