Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher
The online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher prepares classroom teachers to work with young children and their families across a range of early childhood settings. Teachers will learn about early child development – both in the classroom and through hands-on learning experiences – and use this knowledge to design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences for young children. Teachers recognize that learning in early childhood environments lays a critical foundation for the young child’s later success in school, work, citizenship, and personal fulfillment.
This certificate is appropriate for K-8 certified teachers interested in teaching Pre-K. Individuals 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. This program does not lead to initial teaching certification.
Curriculum
Courses
The following courses are required (12 credits):
- CHF 450: Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits)
- HUD 505: Infant and Toddler Development (3 credits)
- HUD 521: Teaching Science for Young Children (3 credits)
- HUD 529: Numeracy for Young Children (3 credits)
Admissions
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Current teaching certificate
- A course in:
- Children’s Literature (3 credits)
- Language and Literacy in Early Childhood (3 credits)
- Early Literacy coursework
- Child Development or Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- Early Learning Environments (3 credits)
- Early Childhood Education such as: Family Studies, Creative Arts, Observation of Young Children, Assessment of Young Children, and/or Advanced Child Development (6 credits)
Application Materials
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted at any time. When you are ready to apply, please first review the application instructions. Then submit the following:
- Online application
- Current resume or CV
- Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
- Copy of current teaching certificate
- 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt
For more information about applying, contact:
Jo Ellen Carr
joellen.carr@maine.edu
207.581.2444
Julie DellaMattera, College of Education
julie.dellamattera@maine.edu
207.581.3118
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher online with UMaine? Contact Amanda Cupps, UMaineOnline Senior Advisor, at 207.581.3452 or at amanda.cupps@maine.edu.
Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of elementary teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030 with about 124,300 openings per year. The median annual wage for elementary teachers was $57,860 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
This certificate allows teachers to complete the requirements for state certification to teach early elementary grades (Pre-K-3) in public schools and/or to work at the preschool level. It also partially fulfills the Maine DOE Endorsement 081: Early Childhood Teacher.
Certification and Licensure
This program will prepare students to be eligible for an endorsement within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
NC-SARA Statement
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
