UMF education student sits and laughs with students in classroom.

Early Childhood Special Education

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

Your Impact, Their Potential

UMF’s Early Childhood Special Education program prepares students to work with young children with special needs and their families across diverse educational and community settings.

Early Childhood Special Education is a high-demand, rewarding career, and UMF graduates are well-prepared to get hired. The program combines a high-quality Bachelor’s degree with extensive hands-on experiences in children’s settings, preparing students to make a meaningful difference as teachers.

At UMF, you’ll work closely with children from infants to third grade and their families at the Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Early Education Center on campus. This immersive experience gives you the real-world skills and knowledge that employers are actively seeking, helping you launch a successful career in Early Childhood Special Education.

Questions? Ask a professor

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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Hands-On Learning for a Rewarding Career

UMF’s Early Childhood Special Education program emphasizes child development for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with special needs. Accredited by CAEP and aligned with NAEYC standards, the program stands out for its extensive hands-on fieldwork.

Students describe their senior-year Student Teaching as the most meaningful part of their UMF experience, working alongside mentor teachers—often UMF alums—to apply classroom knowledge in real school settings and gain invaluable practical experience.

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Why UMF? Graduates Share Their Stories

Recent UMF graduates in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education are now thriving as teachers and education supervisors. They share how Farmington’s hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and real-world classroom experiences shaped their skills, confidence, and passion for teaching. Their stories highlight why UMF was the perfect place to launch their careers and make a lasting impact on young learners.

A Legacy of Excellence in Teacher Education

The University of Maine at Farmington has been a leader in teacher education for over 160 years. Founded in 1864 as Western State Normal School, UMF pioneered an approach that combined strong liberal arts foundations with teacher training, a model that set it apart from other programs of the era.

Today, UMF continues to be recognized for innovation and excellence in preparing educators. It is one of only three nationally accredited teacher education programs in Maine and is fully accredited by the Maine State Board of Education. Full-time faculty provide close supervision during off-campus practicum and student-teaching experiences, ensuring graduates are highly prepared for successful careers in education.

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

  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (infants to grade 3)

  • Preschool Teacher in inclusive or specialized programs

  • Head Start Teacher or Specialist

  • Childcare Center Teacher or Director

  • Early Intervention Specialist

  • Education Supervisor

  • Curriculum Specialist

  • Special Education Advocate

  • Program Coordinator for Community or Nonprofit Early Childhood Programs

  • Consultant for Early Childhood Education Services

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
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