University of Maine at Farmington 2012-2013 Catalog
 
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Catalog Program Academic Policies
Early Childhood Education
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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science: Early Childhood Education

The University of Maine at Farmington prepares caring teachers, competent educators and confident professionals, grounded in the arts and sciences, who will become the educational leaders of the 21st century.

Learning Goals:
 
Philosophy, purposes and goals:
 
Our candidates will become the educational leaders of the 21st century who are caring teachers, competent educators and confident professionals (C3TEP). These guiding principles and beliefs reflect the ideals we hold for ourselves, our candidates, and the students and communities with whom they will work.
 
Caring Teachers
  • Build respectful relationships
  • Create communities of learners
  • Support and encourage successful learning for all students
  • Honor and respond to differences
  • Utilize knowledge of human development
 Competent Educators
  • Design, plan, implement and evaluate instruction
  • Use best practices for instruction and assessment
  • Know content and strategies for integration
  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Solve problems creatively and constructively
  • Use the tools of a changing world
 Confident Professionals
  • Collaborate effectively with families, communities, and colleagues
  • Practice reflective, self-directed, life-long learning
  • Demonstrate a commitment to ethical and legal responsibilities
  • Contribute to and lead in diverse societies
Maine Standards for Initial Teacher Certification
 
Our essential goals and purposes are embodied in the Maine Standards for Initial Teacher Certification. Beginning teachers should be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) s/he teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful to students.
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate the concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures among the disciplines.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the diverse ways in which students learn and develop by providing learning opportunities that support their intellectual, physical, emotional, social and cultural development.
  • Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, curriculum goals, and learning and development theory.
  • Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies and appropriate technology to meet students' needs.
  • Create and maintain a classroom environment that supports and encourages learning.
  • Demonstrate the ability to support students' learning and well-being by engaging students, home, school, colleagues, and community.
  • Understand and use a variety of formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and support the development of the learner.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to ethical and legal responsibilities of a teacher.
  • Demonstrate a strong professional ethic and a desire to contribute to the education profession.
Assessment Criteria:
Within the context of each program, candidates are evaluated based on important knowledge, skills and dispositions in the areas of:
  • Content Knowledge
  • Effective Planning
  • P-12 Learning
  • Diversity
  • Dispositions
  • Technology
  • Student Teaching or Internship
  • Achievement of Standards
  • One or more area identified by program faculty and linked to specific program goals
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Students may choose among three options. The standard program, Early Childhood Education Non-Certification option, prepares students for work with young children and their families across a range of early childhood settings. Alternatively, students may elect to enroll in additional courses leading to an additional teaching endorsement. The Birth through 5 Certification option leads to ME Teacher Certification (081 Endorsement), which allows graduates to teach in a variety of early childhood settings, including inclusive pre-kindergarten classrooms located in public schools. The K-3 Certification option leads to ME Teacher Certification (029 Endorsement in Early Elementary), preparing graduates to teach in inclusive classrooms from kindergarten to third grade. Students wishing to become certified in both Birth through 5 and K-3 should discuss this option with their advisor.
 
Fingerprinting:

Students entering ALL UMF Teacher Education programs ( ECH, ECS, ELE, Middle/SEC, SPED, and School Health) beginning with the fall of 2011 must be fingerprinted and have a Criminal History Record Check prior to their first practicum.

 

Requirements for Early Education and Care (Non-Certification) Option

 

Entry Level Professional Courses (8 credits)

ECH 150  Introduction and Observation in Early Childhood Education 4
ECH 192  Introductory Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education 4

Mid-Level Professional Courses (30 credits)
 
ECH 201  Language Development, Early Literacy and Children's Literature*
6
ECH 232  Social Science for the Young Child* 4
ECH 250  Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care
4
ECH 256  Creative Arts and Technology for the Young Child*
4
ECH 293  Intermediate Seminar and Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECH 336  Development of Mathematical Concepts in Young Children*
4
ECH 384  Science Education for Young Children*
4
 
Advanced Level Professional Courses (8-12 credits)
 
ECH 450  Senior Seminar: Research in Early Childhood Education
4
ECH 490  Internship in Early Childhood Education
4, 6, or 8

 *must take additional advanced ECH courses if ECH 490 is taken for less than 8 credits

 
Electives (8 credits) Choose Two Courses:
 
ECH 367  Administration of Early Childhood Programs
4
ECH 402  Diverse Programming in Early Learning Environments  
ECH 420  Planning Environments for Young Children
4
ECH 430  Theories of Learning and Curriculum Development
4
ECH 440  Children, Families and Communities
 4
ECH 477  Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
1-4

*indicates professional curriculum course

Other Requirements (8 credits)
 
PSY 225S Child and Adolescent Development 4
ANY course in Early Childhood Special Education 4
 
 
Total Credits for the Major:                                                                                                66
 
 
Minor/Specialization (16 credits)
Students choosing the Non-Certification option develop an area of specialization through a minimum of 16 credits of coursework across disciplines. Possible specializations include, but are not limited to, the study of schools, working with families, infants and toddlers, or international perspectives on children and families. Students should consult with their advisors in developing their specializations and selecting a set of courses that promotes their professional interests. Alternatively, students may elect to pursue an established minor at UMF.
 
Professional Standing in Education
In order to enroll in professional education courses at the 300-level or above, students must earn Professional Standing in Education. To be eligible for Professional Standing, students selecting the Early Education and Care  (Non-Certification) Option must meet the following criteria:
  1. pass ENG 100 with a grade of C or higher;
  2. pass ECH 192  with a grade of B- or higher
  3. pass ECH 293 with a grade of B- or higher; and
  4. earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Internships
Prior to beginning internships, students must meet these additional criteria:

  1. complete all required professional curriculum courses with grades of C- or higher;
  2. earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Graduation
Students must have grades of C- or higher in their professional education courses while attaining an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate.

General Electives (0-22 credits)

Students must take up to 22 credits of general electives which may include a minor of their choosing selected from the UMF catalog.

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

 
Requirements for Birth to 5 Education (Certification) Option
Entry Level Professional Courses  (8 credits)
 
ECH 150 Introduction and Observation in Early Childhood Education 4
ECH 192 Introductory Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education 4
 
Mid-Level Professional Courses (34 credits)
 
ECS 103 Introduction to Teaching Inclusive Early Childhood Education  
or    
ECS 307 Addressing Developmental Differences of Young Children 4
ECH 201 Language Development, Early Literacy and Children's Literature* 6
ECH 232 Social Science for the Young Child* 4
ECH 250 Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care 4 4
ECH 256 Creative Arts and Technology for the Young Child* 4
ECH 293 Intermediate Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education 4
ECH 336 Development of Mathematical Concepts in Young Children* 4
ECH 384 Science Education for Young Children* 4
 
Advanced Level Professional Courses (12 credits)
 
ECH 450 Senior Seminar: Research in Early Childhood Education                        4
ECH 490 Internship in Early Childhood Education  4, 6, or 8
*must take additional advanced ECH courses if ECH 490 is taken for less than 8 credits
 

Electives (8 credits)Choose Two Courses:

  
ECH 367   Administration of Early Childhood Programs 4
ECH 402   Diverse Programming in Early Learning Environments 4
ECH 420   Planning Environments for Young Children 4
ECH 430   Theories of Learning and Curriculum Development 4
ECH 440   Children, Families and Communities 4
ECH 477   Special Topics in Early Childhood Education    1-4

*indicates professional curriculum course

Other Requirements (4 credits)
PSY 225S Child and Adolescent Development
 4

 

Total Credits for the Major:                                                                                             66

 

Maine State Certification Requirements

  1. Three credits in ENG courses.  These credits can be earned through general education requirements in ENG 100 or an English course with an H designation.

  2. Three credits in mathematics courses, typically MAT 103M or MAT 104M.

  3. Three credits in social studies from the following disciplines: anthropology, geography, history, economics, or political science.  (Psychology, sociology and women's studies courses do NOT fulfill this State requirement.)

Praxis I: Required for Teacher Certification
The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) are standardized tests of basic skills required by the State of Maine for teacher certification. The PPST consists of three parts (reading, writing, mathematics) and may be taken in either paper and pencil or computerized form. The paper and pencil PPST may be taken at UMF on specified days; the computerized PPST may be taken at commercial testing centers at any time by appointment. In order to achieve Professional Standing in Education, students must pass Praxis I at or above the level established by the State of Maine. The qualifying scores on the PPST are as follows:

Reading

176

Writing

175

Mathematics

175

As an alternative, students must achieve a composite score of 526 on the three sections of the PPST, with no single score on any section being more than three points lower than the required score listed above.

Professional Standing in Education

In order to enroll in professional education courses at the 300-level or above, students must earn Professional Standing in Education. To be eligible for Professional Standing, students selecting the Birth to 5 Education (Certification) Option must meet the following criteria:

  1. achieve passing scores on Praxis I (reading, writing, mathematics) at or above the level established by the State of Maine;
  2. pass ENG 100 with a grade of C or higher;
  3. pass ECH 192 with a grade of B- or higher
  4. pass ECH 293 with a grade of B- or higher; and
  5. earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Praxis II
Students must pass the Praxis II 0021 exam: Education of Young Children at or above the level established by the State of Maine (166) prior to Internship and for teacher certification.

Internship
Prior to beginning internships, students must meet these additional criteria:

  1. complete all required professional curriculum courses (see Major Requirements) with grades of C- or higher;
  2. pass the Praxis II 0021 exam: Education of Young Children at or above the level established by the State of Maine (166); and
  3. earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Graduation
Students must have grades of C- or higher in their professional education courses while attaining an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate.

General Electives (22 credits)

Students must take 22 credits of general electives which may include a minor of their choosing selected from the UMF catalog.

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

Requirements for K-3 Education (Certification) Option

Entry Level Professional Courses (8 credits)
 
ECH 150
Introduction and Observation in Early Childhood Education
 4
ECH 192 Introductory Practicum  
or    
ECH 293 Intermediate Seminar and Practicum in Early Childhood Education                   4
 
Mid-Level Professional Experiences Required (24 credits)
 
EDU 202 Practicum and Seminar in K-8 Education 4
ECH 232 Social Science for Young Children 4
ECH 250 Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care 4
ECH 256 Creative Arts and Technology for the Young Child 4
ECH 336 Development of Mathematical Concepts in Young Children                             4
ECH 384 Science Education for Young Children 4

Advanced Level Professional Experiences Required (30 credits)

EDU 433 Reading, Language Arts and Children's Literature for K-3 6
ECH 450 Senior Seminar: Research in Early Childhood Education 4
SED 360 Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom 4
ECH 460 Student Teaching and Seminar in Early Childhood Education K-3                  16

Electives (8 credits)Choose Two Courses:

  
ECH 367  Administration of Early Childhood Programs (4) 4
ECH 402  Diverse Programming in Early Learning Environments 4
ECH 420  Planning Environments for Young Children (4) 4
ECH 430  Theories of Learning and Curriculum Development (4) 4
ECH 440  Children, Families and Communities (4) 4
ECH 477  Special Topics in Early Childhood Education (1-4) 1-4
 
Additional Requirements (16 credits)
 
PSY 225S Child and Adolescent Development 4
4
English Elective
4
MAT 103M Mathematical Content for Elementary School Teachers I (or equivalent)
4
MAT 104M Mathematical Content for Elementary School Teachers II (or equivalent)
4

 

Total credits for the Major:                                                                                             86

 
Maine State Certification Requirements
  1. Six credits in ENG courses (typically ENG 100 and one additional ENG course). Graduates must have a humanities course (H) to meet a General Education requirement. Students may fulfill both requirements with a single ENG "H" course. Alternately, students may take two courses: (1) an ENG writing or grammar (non-H) course and (2) a philosophy, religion, honors, or foreign language course with an H designation.
     
  2. Six credits in mathematics courses, typically MAT 103 and MAT 104.
     
  3. Six credits in science courses.
     
  4. Six credits in social studies from two of the following disciplines: anthropology, geography, history, economics, or political science. These credits can be earned through general education requirements. (Psychology, sociology and women's studies courses do NOT fulfill this State requirement.)

Praxis I
The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) are standardized tests of basic skills required by the State of Maine for teacher certification. The PPST consists of three parts (reading, writing, mathematics) and may be taken in either paper and pencil or computerized form. The paper and pencil PPST may be taken at UMF on specified days; the computerized PPST may be taken at commercial testing centers at any time by appointment. In order to enroll in EDU 202 or achieve Professional Standing in Education, students must pass Praxis I at or above the level established by the State of Maine. The qualifying scores on the PPST are as follows:

Reading 176
Writing 175
Mathematics 175

As an alternative, students must achieve a composite score of 526 on the three sections of the PPST, with no single score on any section being more than three points lower than the required score listed above.

Professional Standing in Education
In order to enroll in professional education courses at the 300-level or above, students must earn Professional Standing in Education. To be eligible for Professional Standing, students selecting the K-3 Education (Certification) Option must meet the following criteria:

1) achieve passing scores on Praxis I (reading, writing, mathematics) at or above the level established by the State of Maine
2) pass ENG 100 with a grade of C or higher;
3) pass ECH 192 (with a grade of B- or higher) or ECH 293 (with a grade of B- or higher);
4) pass EDU 202; and
5) earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Praxis II
Students must pass the Praxis II 0021 exam: Education of Young Children at or above the level established by the State of Maine (166).

Student Teaching
Prior to beginning student teaching, students must meet these additional criteria:

1) Complete all required professional education courses with a grade of C- or higher.
2) Achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
3) Pass Praxis II 00021 Education of Young Children at or above the level established by the State of Maine (166).

Graduation
Students must have grades of C- or higher in their professional education courses while attaining an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate.

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

 
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