MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
For essential requirement information about PRAXIS, student
teaching, and graduation, see
Early Childhood Special Education General Information
Major Requirements: Birth to School-Age 5 Certification
Required courses
Students must receive at least a grade of C- or better in the following courses:
Entry Level Professional Courses
ECS 103 Introduction to Inclusive Early
Education 4
ECH 150 Introduction and Observation in
Early Childhood Education 4
ECH 192 Introductory Practicum and Seminar
in Early Childhood Education 4
ECS 203 Supporting Children in Inclusive
Settings 4
Subtotal: 16
Mid-Level Professional Courses
ECS 207 Supporting Social/Emotional
Development in Inclusive Settings 4
ECH 201 Language Development, Early
Literacy, and Childrens Literature 6
ECH 293 Intermediate Seminar and Practicum
in Early Childhood Education 4
Subtotal: 14
Advanced Level Professional Courses
ECS 304 Supporting Families of Infants and
Toddlers in Natural Environments 4
ECS 307 Addressing Developmental Differences
of Young Children 4
ECS 374 Advanced Curriculum Planning and
Intervention Strategies 4
SED 404 Collaboration among Diverse Families,
Learners with Special Needs, and
Professionals 4
ECS 476 Advanced Assessment in Early
Childhood Special Education 4
ECS 479 Internship/Student Teaching in
Early Childhood Special Education 8-12
Eight credits of electives chosen from
ECS, SED, ECH, or EDU courses 4-8
Subtotal: 32
Total professional credits for Major with
Birth to School-Age Certification: 60
requirements in the arts and sciences: Birth to school-age 5 Certification
MAT 103M Mathematical Content for
Elementary School Teachers 4
MAT 120M Introductory Statistics 4
PSY 225S Child and Adolescent Development 4
ENG 100 English Composition 4
(requires a grade of B- or higher)
Subtotal: 16
Total credits for Major with Birth to
School-Age Certification: 76
PRE-PROFESSIONAL STANDING IN EDUCATION
To enroll in professional courses at the 200 level, ECS students must pass ECS 103 and ECH 150 with a grade of C- or higher and Praxis I at or above the level established by the State of Maine.
Praxis I (Pre-Professional Skills Tests or PPST) are standardized tests of basic skills required by the State of Maine for teacher certification. The Praxis I consists of three parts (reading, writing, mathematics) and may be taken in either paper/pencil or computerized version. The paper and pencil version may be taken at UMF on specified days; the computerized version may be taken at commercial testing centers at any time by appointment.
Professional Standing
To enroll in professional courses at the 300 or 400 levels, the following professional standing requirements must be met:
1) pass ENG 100 with a grade of B- or higher;
2) complete 1 practicum with a grade of B- or higher;
3) earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher;
4) earned 32 credits, including at least 4 hours of early childhood special education coursework.
Internship/Student Teaching
Before enrolling in ECS 479 internship/student teaching, students must meet these additional criteria:
1) receive a passing score (at or above the score established by the State of Maine) on Praxis II 0353 Special Education;
2) complete all required professional education courses through the 300 level with a grade of C- or higher and B- or higher for practica;
3) achieve an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Note: If enrolling in ECS 479 across two semesters, ECS 374 may be taken concurrently.
Graduation
Students must complete all required professional education courses with a grade of C- or higher and B- or higher in practica and internship/student teaching. Students must attain an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and
expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the
Academic Programs section of this catalog.
MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE 128
