Early Childhood Teacher

The Early Childhood Teacher graduate certificate allows students to complete the requirements for the State of Maine certification (Endorsement 081: Early Childhood Teacher) to teach early elementary grades, Pre-Kindergarten to grade 3, in public schools and/or to work at the preschool level. K-8 certified teachers can use the four required courses in this certificate in partial fulfillment of the State’s requirements for the 081 Endorsement.

Teachers in the certificate will:

1. Be prepared to work with young children and their families across a range of early childhood settings. Teachers may apply courses from this certificate to Maine’s Early Childhood Endorsement (081). The certificate supports teachers’ eligibility to teach in a variety of early childhood settings, including inclusive pre-kindergarten classrooms located in public schools.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Understand that through play in a content-rich environment, children begin to make sense of the world around them, building the foundations they will need to become capable, enthusiastic learners and responsible, healthy adults.

(All work is based on the state MDOE and NAEYC standards.)

NOTE: If you are an international student who is interested in pursuing any of our graduate certificate programs, please contact Katy Blackmer BEFORE applying.

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.