SMCCME

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare individuals as skilled Early Childhood professionals. Graduates will meet state licensing standards for teaching in a variety of settings. The course work combines theory and practical experience to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the field or transfer to a four-year institution.

In conjunction with the Early Childhood Education program, the Spring Point Children's Center provides quality educational experiences for preschool children, ages 3 to 5. This on-campus center is a valuable resource providing a laboratory setting for students in the program.

Southern Maine Community College has an articulation agreement with the University of Maine at Augusta's Mental Health and Human Services Program.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of young children's typical and atypical characteristics based upon multiple influences on development and learning (birth - age 8).
• Apply theories of child development to plan inclusive, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Articulate priorities for the care of infants and toddlers in group settings;
• Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging for all children.
• Understand the value and importance children's families and cultural communities in shaping the development of the child.
• Create materials that reflect an understanding of the importance of early literacy and language rich environments;
• Develop respectful and reciprocal relationships with families that encourage families to be involved in their child's development and learning.
• Identify how community agencies and services support children, families, and providers;
• Demonstrate the skills of observation and recordkeeping as an inherent component of planning for the ongoing development of the child.
• Use the skills of positive guidance in their interactions with children based upon an understanding of the child's social/emotional development.
• Use the standards of professional practice with children and adults based upon NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct.

Curriculum

*Students must be matriculated into the ECE program to enroll in practicum courses

NOTE:  All ECE courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better

Curriculum

Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Recommended High School Courses

Algebra I & II
College Prep Chemistry
College Prep Biology