Overview
In the early childhood education program at UMBC undergraduate and graduate teacher candidates complete a course of study that can lead to certification as a teacher of children from Pre-K through grade 3. While many early childhood teacher candidates plan to teach young children in public schools, others are preparing for careers in private schools or child care centers where they hope to take on leadership positions in addition to teaching.
The undergraduate certification program in early childhood has two unique features. The first is that all undergraduates must complete an academic major in addition to the certification program. Many undergraduates choose to major in Psychology, American Studies, or Sociology but others have chosen English, Mathematics, Dance or other disciplines as their major. Through an Interdisciplinary major, early childhood teacher candidates can customize their education to prepare for leadership positions such as child care center director or to focus on an area of interest such as the arts or the environment in early childhood education.
The second distinctive feature of the program is the extensive field placements that the teacher candidates experience each semester that they are in the program. Teacher candidates have a placement in a different early childhood setting each semester and are able to observe and participate in 4-5 classrooms by the time they finish the program. University supervisors observe the teacher candidates several times each semester to support their growth.
Undergraduate Certification Requirements
Undergraduate Program Goals – Will be updated soon. Please email ece_edu@umbc.edu for more information.
Fall Undergraduate Program Overview
Spring Undergraduate Program Overview
Undergraduate Early Childhood Certification Requirements
Graduate Certification Requirements:
Fall Graduate (MAT) Early Childhood Program Overview
Spring Graduate (MAT) Early Childhood Program Overview
Graduate (MAT) Early Childhood Certification Requirements
If you are interested in the program please contact the program coordinator.
Program Coordinator
Michele Stites, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Sherman Hall A Wing, Rm. 414
Email: ece_educ@umbc.edu
last updated 2022 April 4