Early Childhood Education Cohort Program

B.S. Degree with a major in Early Childhood Education

Little Learners, Big Futures: Off-Campus ECC Cohort

The University of Maine at Farmington offers an off-campus Early Childhood Education program at Southern Maine Community College, allowing Portland-area professionals the opportunity to earn a UMF bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Designed for working professionals, the University of Maine at Farmington’s off-campus Early Childhood Education program makes it possible to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with certification in Birth to K (081) and Pre-K to Grade 3 (029). Courses are offered online during the week or hybrid with 4 in person meetings per semester at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

Courses are taught by UMF faculty and provide a strong foundation in Early Childhood Education, preparing students for Maine Birth through Kindergarten (081) and Pre-K though Grade 3 (029) Certification. General Education requirements can be completed online through UMF, making this program a flexible and accessible pathway toward earning a UMF bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Questions? Ask a professor

Flexible Pathways to Becoming an Educator

Many students have completed their Early Childhood Education degree through UMF’s Off-Campus Cohort Program at Southern Maine Community College and online, while others chose the traditional in-person model. Graduates are now working as teachers and education supervisors, sharing how the program fits their busy lifestyles and has helped them achieve their career goals. With the growing demand for qualified educators of young children, UMF’s program offers a direct path to making a difference.

Investing in the Future of Early Childhood Education

To help meet this need, the University of Maine at Farmington has received significant investment in Early Childhood Education. Supported by the Governor, Legislature, and University of Maine System Board of Trustees, federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan are being directed to UMF. This follows earlier funding, including $1.4 million from a 2018 statewide workforce development bond and a $100,000 gift from the Lennox Foundation, fueling the expansion of UMF’s Sweatt-Winter program.

What Can I Do With A Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Graduates of our Early Childhood Education program are eligible for jobs in a variety of settings, including childcare, Head Start, pre-Kindergarten, community and recreational programs, and grades K-3 in public and private schools. You can work directly with children and families, lead and manage programs, or shape policy and advocacy in the field.

Teaching & Direct Care

  • Preschool Teacher (public, private, or Head Start programs)

  • Kindergarten Teacher

  • Early Elementary Teacher (Grades K–3)

  • Infant/Toddler Teacher

  • Childcare Center Teacher or Director

Specialized Roles

  • Early Intervention Specialist (working with children with developmental delays/disabilities)

  • Family Support Specialist

  • Home Visitor (supporting families in early learning at home)

Leadership & Administration

  • Childcare Program Director/Administrator

  • Curriculum Coordinator for Early Childhood Programs

  • Education Supervisor

Community & Nonprofit Work

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator (early learning organizations, literacy programs, after-school programs)

  • Policy or Advocacy Specialist (working on state or national early childhood initiatives)

Further Study & Advanced Careers

  • Graduate Programs (M.Ed., M.S., or Ed.D. in education, special education, child development, counseling, or administration)

  • University/College Faculty in Early Childhood Education

  • Educational Researcher

Building Futures: UMF’s Off-Campus Cohort

Working adults can, and do, earn a University of Maine at Farmington Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it possible for busy professionals to balance their careers, families, and education. With evening, weekend, and hybrid course options offered at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, students don’t need to put their lives on hold to complete their degree.

Many adults in the greater Portland area have already taken this path, successfully earning their UMF degree while continuing to work in the field. Along the way, they gain not only the academic foundation needed to become effective educators, but also the professional credentials that open doors to Maine Birth to K (081) and Pre-K through Grade 3 (029) teaching certifications. This program proves that advancing your education—and your career—is achievable at any stage of life.

One of the biggest benefits of the Off-Campus Cohort program was that as a working parent here in Portland, I didn’t have to move to Farmington to get my UMF Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. This is program designed for working people – especially working childcare teachers, like I was. If it hadn’t been for this program I probably wouldn’t have been able to earn a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Ed. And now I’m working on my Master’s degree at Farmington.
Zahra Mahamud
Education Tech specializing in Math and Literacy
Presumpscot Elementary School in Portland

Contact Us to Get Started!

Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
Theo Kalikow Education Center
186 High Street
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