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Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher

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100% Online

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12 Credits

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$567/cr.

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Rolling Admissions

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No GRE/GMAT Required

About the Program

The online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher prepares K–8 certified Maine teachers to work with young children and their families in public school PreK and other early childhood settings. You’ll learn about early child development and how to design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences for young children. 

  • NOTE: This program does not lead to initial Maine teaching licensure.

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.

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Amanda Cupps, M.Ed.

UMaineOnline Senior Advisor

207.370.4199 amanda.cupps@maine.edu

Schedule a Meeting

Curriculum

The following courses are required (12 credits):

  • CHF 450: Early Childhood Special Education – Inclusion in the Early Childhood Classroom (3 credits) Fall and Spring
  • HUD 505: Infant and Toddler Development (3 credits) Fall
  • HUD 521: Science as Inquiry: Teaching Young Children (3 credits) Summer
  • HUD 529: Numeracy for the Young Child (3 credits) Fall

Admissions

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
  • Current teaching certification/licensure 
  • Undergraduate or graduate-level courses in:
    • Children’s Literature 
    • Language and literacy in early childhood
    • Child development or developmental psychology
    • Early learning environments 
    • Topics in early childhood education such as family studies, creative arts, observation of young children, assessment of young children, and/or advanced child development 

We have rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and be accepted anytime. The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current résumé or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt
  • Copy of current teaching certification/licensure
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Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 56,300 job openings projected each year. The median annual wage for preschool teachers was $37,130 as of May 2023.

Graduates can apply for the four required courses in this certificate to fulfill the State of Maine’s requirements for the (081 – Early Childhood Teacher) endorsement.

  • NOTE: This program does not lead to initial Maine teaching licensure.

NC-SARA Statement

Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about licensure requirements in other states and territories and to find the contact information needed to inquire further about the licensure requirements associated with this program.