UMF student in a classroom with elementary students

Early Childhood Education

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

Be the Spark in Young Lives

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree program prepares you to support and inspire children from birth through third grade. You’ll combine coursework with hands-on experience at the nationally accredited Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Early Education Center and schools throughout the region. From your first year, you’ll work directly with young learners while building the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a successful career in early education.

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The Learning Experience

At UMF, you’ll explore how young children learn, grow, and develop while gaining experience in real educational settings. Through field placements, practicum, and student teaching, you’ll apply what you learn alongside experienced educators and build a strong foundation for professional practice.

Explore the course requirements and certification options that align with your career goals:

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Why Study Education at UMF

Tradition and Excellence

For over 160 years we’ve built a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional, career-ready teachers.

Quality and Affordability

Receive a high-quality education with strong support, practical experience, and a cost that keeps your future within reach.

Extensive Resources

Early Childhood Learning School, Curriculum Lab, Assistive Technology Center, Everyone’s Resource Depot & more.

Strong Networking

Gain hands-on classroom experience early while building connections with mentors, peers, and local schools.

Where You’ll Go

The program’s hands-on approach gives students real-world experience, making them highly sought after by employers 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. 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.

Alumni Spotlights

Becky Hallowell

2025 Maine Teacher of the Year: Becky Hallowell

Becky Hallowell 1994 alumna and fourth grade teacher at Wiscasset Elementary School was named 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. An innovative educator, she became a huge supporter of nature-based education in her fourth-grade classroom and its value of fostering focused and resilient learners. Read More
Teacher outside in playground sandbox with two young boys playing with trucks

Director Spring Point Children’s Center at SMCC: Allyson Conley

Allyson Conley graduated from UMF in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is the Director at Spring Point Children’s Center on the SMCC campus in South Portland. “When I was a UMF student, I did my internship right here at Spring Point Child Care Center. 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.”

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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