Reading time inside with students and young kids

Early Childhood Special Education

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

Your Impact, Their Potential

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) Early Childhood Special Education Bachelor degree prepares students to work with young children with special needs and their families across diverse educational and community settings. 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.

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Young students walking across rocks outside
Young students walking across rocks outside

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.

Student Teaching Courses and Requirements

What Makes UMF Special

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.

Career Readiness

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

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

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!
Brianna Grumstrup
Brianna Grumstrup

Assistant Professor of Special Education

About Brianna
Deborah Baker
Deborah Baker

Field Supervisor, Principal Lecturer

About Deborah
Donna Karno
Donna Karno

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Donna
Jessica Apgar
Jessica Apgar

Assistant Professor of Special Education

About Jessica
Julia Jeremias
Julia Jeremias

Coordinator & Advisor of the Early Childhood Cohort Program

About Julia
Karen Thurston
Karen Thurston

Lecturer/Field Supervisor

About Karen
Kate Macleod
Kate Macleod

Associate Professor of Special Education

About Kate
Kathryn Stiefel
Kathryn Stiefel

Instructor – Special Education

About Kathryn
Leigh Ann Fish
Leigh Ann Fish

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Leigh
Mellisa Clawson
Mellisa Clawson

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Mellisa
Patricia Williams
Patricia Williams

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Patricia

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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