Students must receive at least a grade of B- or higher in practica and a grade of C- or higher in other professional 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               

               or                                                                                                                      

ECS 293 Intermediate Seminar and Practicum in Early Childhood                             4

ECS 203 Supporting Children in Inclusive Settings                                                         4

Subtotal:                                                                                                                       16

Mid-Level Professional Courses

EDU 202 Practicum and Seminar in K-8 Education                                          4

ECH 201 Language Development, Early Literacy, and Children's Literature                 6

ECH 232 Social Science for the Young Child                                                                 4

ECH 336 Development of Mathematical Concepts in Young Children                          4

ECH 384 Science for Young Children                                                                             4

Choose one of the following:

ECS 207 Supporting Social/Emotional Development in Inclusive Settings                     

               or                                                                                                                      

ECS 307 Addressing Developmental Differences of Young Children                           4

Subtotal:                                                                                                                       26

Advanced Level Professional Courses

ECS 304 Supporting Families of Infants and Toddlers in Natural Environments            4

ECS 374 Advanced Curriculum Planning and Intervention Strategies                       4 

SED 360 Teaching Children with Learning and Behavior Problems in the

   Regular Classroom                                                              4

EDU 433 Reading, Language Arts, and Children's Literature in Grades K-3                6 

SED 404 Collaboration Among Diverse Families, Learners with Special 

   Needs, and Professionals                                                       4

ECS 476 Advanced Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education                       4 

ECH 460 Student Teaching and Seminar in Early Childhood K-3                             16

Subtotal:                                                                                                                        42

Total professional credits for Major with Birth to School-Age 5 

and K-3 Certification:                                                                  84

requirements IN THE ARTS AND SCIENCES: K-3 Certification Option

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 (requires a grade of B- or higher)                             4

Subtotal:                                                                                 16

TOTAL CREDITS IN THE MAJOR WITH K-3 OPTION:                                            90                   

In addition, to receive State of Maine certification for K-3, graduates must complete:

1) a minimum of six credits in social studies in the following disciplines: anthropology, geography, history, economics or political science.  These credits can be earned through general education requirements. Students should select courses from two different disciplines.  (Psychology, sociology and women's studies courses do NOT fulfill this state requirement.)

2) a minimum of six credits in English.  These credits can be completed through the general education Humanities requirement. Students should choose English courses with an 'H' designation. 

3) a minimum of six credits in Mathematics.  Both MAT 103M Mathematical Content for Elementary School Teachers and MAT 120 Introductory Statistics are required courses in the ECS program. These credits can be completed through the general education Math requirement and liberal arts electives.  

 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.

Student Teaching

Before enrolling in ECH 460  Student Teaching and Seminar in Early Childhood K-3, 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 and Praxis II 0021 Education of Young Children;

2) complete all required professional education courses with a grade of C- or higher and B- or higher for practica;

3) achieve an accumulative GPA  of 2.5 or above.

Graduation

Students must complete all required professional education courses with a grade of C- or higher and a grade of B- or higher in practica. 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