UMF student in a classroom with elementary students

Early Childhood Education

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

Be the Spark in Young Lives

UMF’s Early Childhood Education program provides students gain hands-on experience working with children—from infants to third graders—at the nationally accredited Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Early Education Center on campus. This immersive experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, developing practical teaching skills and confidence.

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including childcare, Head Start, pre-K, community programs, and K-3 classrooms in both public and private schools. With a growing demand for early childhood teachers, UMF students graduate with the experience, knowledge, and professional preparation that employers actively seek, building a strong foundation for a successful teaching career.

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Save more than $5,500 per year in tuition.

Through the NEBHE Tuition Break program, students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont receive a $5,670 tuition discount on all UMF degree programs.
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Student teacher teaching in front of elementary students
Student teacher teaching in front of elementary students

Teach, Inspire, Thrive

UMF Early Childhood Education graduates have gone on to a wide variety of rewarding careers working with young children. Many have found positions in K-3 classrooms in both public and private schools, while others have joined pre-K programs, Head Start initiatives, and community-based childcare centers. Some graduates have also pursued specialized roles in early intervention programs, educational support services, and curriculum development.

The program’s hands-on approach gives students real-world experience, making them highly sought after by employers. Alumni have landed roles as lead teachers, program coordinators, teaching specialists, and childcare directors, often taking on leadership positions within schools and early education organizations. These career paths highlight the program’s ability to prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives while building fulfilling professional careers.

When I was a UMF student, I did my Early Childhood Education internship right here at Spring Point Child Care Center in South Portland. Having those real-world, in-classroom hours and being able to say I have firsthand experience working in a classroom and being mentored by experienced teachers was so valuable.
Allyson Conley
Director
Spring Point Children’s Center at SMCC
Portland, Maine

Hands-On Teaching Experience

At UMF, student teaching is the capstone experience for Early Childhood Education majors, giving you the opportunity to step into a real classroom and apply everything you’ve learned. Under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers, you’ll lead lessons, manage classroom activities, and engage directly with children from infants to third graders. This hands-on experience helps you build confidence, refine your teaching style, and develop the professional skills needed to succeed as a licensed educator.

Student teaching also allows you to connect theory with practice, collaborate with faculty and peers, and receive feedback that prepares you for a seamless transition into your first teaching job. By the time you graduate, you’ll have not only completed a rigorous academic program but also gained meaningful classroom experience that makes you a highly qualified candidate in the growing field of early childhood education.

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Learn from Experienced Educators

At UMF, you’ll learn from faculty who’ve been there as experienced teachers, leaders, and specialists who know today’s classrooms. They’ll support you every step of the way, sharing real-world insight and helping you build the skills and confidence to succeed.
Questions? Ask a Professor!
Patricia Williams
Patricia Williams

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Patricia
Leigh Ann Fish
Leigh Ann Fish

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Leigh
Donna Karno
Donna Karno

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Donna
Deborah Baker
Deborah Baker

Field Supervisor, Principal Lecturer

About Deborah

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
umfadmit@maine.edu
207-778-7050
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