FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington and Southern Maine Community College have entered into a new partnership that allows graduates from SMCC’s Early Childhood Education program to live and work in southern Maine while earning a UMF bachelor of science degree in early childhood education with K-3 certification.

The off-campus offering of UMF’s nationally-accredited Early Childhood Education program with K-3 certification is taught by UMF faculty at SMCC’s South Portland campus. The initiative is made possible through a transfer agreement that allows graduates to move seamlessly from SMCC’s associate in applied science degree in early childhood education to UMF’s bachelor degree program.

The hybrid program provides the in-classroom course work, local school field study and virtual UMF classroom experience that prepares pre-service teachers to teach in many early childhood settings, including kindergarten through third grade in public schools.

The program’s unique play-based approach helps prepare educators to motivate young children to learn, help them develop lifelong learning skills and be actively involved in their learning. The transfer agreement also removes hurdles and paperwork, provides guidance and saves time and money for SMCC graduates who transfer to the UMF program.

For more information on the program, contact Julia Jeremias, UMF coordinator and adviser of the Early Childhood Cohort Off-Campus Program, at julia.jeremias@maine.edu or 207-778-7274.

More information is also available on the UMF website at http://www.umf.maine.edu/majors-academics/early-childhood-ed-bachelors-degree-cohort-program/.

More information about SMCC’s Early Childhood Education program is available on the SMCC website at https://www.smccme.edu/academics/degree-programs/early-childhood-education/.