Southern Maine Community College
  • Apply
  • Get Started
  • Connect With Us
Overview
Why Choose SMCC Choose Your Path Get Started How to Apply Visit
Offerings
Arts, Humanities, Digital Media & Communication Business and Hospitality Computer Science and Information Technology Education Health Sciences Industrial Technology & Transportation Public Safety Science, Engineering, & Mathematics Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Academic Support
Campus Life
Housing & Dining Athletics Student Activities Enrichment Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Paying for College
Tuition Tuition Breaks & Programs Financial Aid Free College
Campuses
South Portland Campus Midcoast Campus Online Campus
Meet our Students
Lulu: Automotive Technology Jada: Culinary Arts Alex: Cyber Security Adiel: Construction Technology Michael: Business Administration
Southern Maine Community College
Home

Overview

Why Choose SMCC Choose Your Path Get Started How to Apply Visit

Offerings

Arts, Humanities, Digital Media & Communication Business and Hospitality Computer Science and Information Technology Education Health Sciences Industrial Technology & Transportation Public Safety Science, Engineering, & Mathematics Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Academic Support

Campus Life

Housing & Dining Athletics Student Activities Enrichment Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Paying for College

Tuition Tuition Breaks & Programs Financial Aid Free College

Campuses

South Portland Campus Midcoast Campus Online Campus

Meet our Students

Lulu: Automotive Technology Jada: Culinary Arts Alex: Cyber Security Adiel: Construction Technology Michael: Business Administration
Play Sound
Apply Get Started Connect With Us
Apply Get Started Connect With Us
Next Video
Health Sciences
Next video starting in 10s

Education

SMCC offers two education programs: Early Childhood Education and Education. The programs focus on different age/grade ranges, but both provide students with the foundational skills and experiences they need to enter their chosen fields. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed for students who are interested in teaching children from 0-8 years of age, including students in grades K-3. The Education (EDUC) program is designed for students who are interested in exploring education more broadly and/or those who wish to teach older students in specialized fields like English or Math. Both programs focus on the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need to make a difference in the lives of the children with whom they work. These skills are put to use as students engage in classroom settings and externships in the local community. Throughout each step of the way, students work with supportive and experienced faculty. Our goal is to create a community of learners who work (and play!) together with all students receiving the support they need to achieve their dreams.

What training and programs are available?

Workforce Training & Courses

Learn skills to enter the workforce quickly, and if desired return to earn a certificate or associate degree. Grant-funded opportunities (free of charge to trainees) available.

  • Early Childhood Education Bootcamp Training
  • Educator Apprentice

Associate Degrees & Certificates

Associate Degrees

Earn a degree or certificate and enter the workforce or continue your education at a four-year college.

  • Early Childhood Education Degree
  • Education (K-12) Degree

Certificates

  • Advanced Education Certificate
     

 

One of the things that makes SMCC's ECE program so special is we have children, right? They're in the building with us. Spring Point Children's Center is one side of our hall when you walk into our building. One side is the children and the other side are two college-level classrooms. So we often go back and forth. The college students might visit the observation booth which is set at the back of the Children's Center so we can go in and observe the children in action. Or if the children are outside, we go in and we say, "How does room design support positive behavior whereas literacy in this setting?" One of the things that is really kind of unique about SMCC is that we have a partnership with Farmington. And Farmington then comes to SMCC and delivers their classes right here on SMCC's. Which means, you come as an SMCC student. You spend two years here, are fully comfortable here. And then you've got your additional two years right in the SMCC Early Childhood Building. As part of our program, students complete two field experiences -- two student teaching experiences. And we place students in a variety of different settings based on the student's needs. Everyone will spend some time in a preschool setting, but then if the student wants to be an infant and toddler teacher, we place the student there. If they want to be a kindergarten teacher, we place the student there. It's very unique to the students' needs and interests. SMCC is a community. You will know everyone's names. You will have opportunities to work together, hang out together. We are a community that looks after each other.

Panoramic video playback may work incorrectly in your browser

Arts, Humanities, Digital Media & Communication Business and Hospitality Computer Science and Information Technology Education Health Sciences Industrial Technology & Transportation Public Safety Science, Engineering, & Mathematics Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Academic Support
© 2025 Southern Maine Community College
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
StudentBridge
Apply Get Started Connect With Us