Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher

About

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

Admissions

We have rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and be accepted at any time. The admission evaluation process begins once weโ€™ve received all of your application materials.

  • A bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college/university
  • Current teaching certification/licensure 
  • Undergraduate or graduate-level courses in:
    • Childrenโ€™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 

Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When youโ€™re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current rรฉsumรฉ or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt
  • Copy of current teaching certificate or endorsement

Careers

Graduates can apply for the four required courses in this certificate to fulfill the State of Maineโ€™s requirements for the (081 โ€“ Early Childhood Teacher) endorsement.

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

preschool teachers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), preschool teacher employment is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 56,300 job openings projected each year.

Median Salary: $37,130

Curriculum

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

The following courses are required (12 credits):

  • EDU 413: Methods for Teaching Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood (3 credits)
    OR SED 510: Teaching Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits)
  • HUD 505: Infant and Toddler Development (3 credits)
  • HUD 521: Science as Inquiry: Teaching Young Children (3 credits)
  • HUD 529: Numeracy for the Young Child (3 credits)
Teacher playing with young student

At a Glance

UMaineOnline

College of Education & Human Development


Degree Level

Graduate Certificate

Degree Earned

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher

Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

Mode of Study

Online

Number of Credits

12 Credits

UMaineOnline

College of Education & Human Development


Degree Level

Graduate Certificate

Degree Earned

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher

Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

Mode of Study

Online

Number of Credits

12 Credits

Cost Per Credit Hour

E-Rate

$607

Photo of Amanda Hafford

Contact

Amanda Hafford, M.Ed.

Assistant Director of DLL Advising Center & Student Support

umaine.edu/online

P

207.581.3452

NC-SARA Statement

This program prepares students to be eligible for licensure in the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories and the contact information needed to inquire further about the licensure requirements associated with this program.