Learning Facilitator Ed Tech III Credential

Consider the following:

• I graduated from college and started to work, but I am not really enjoying what I am doing. I like to help people learn new things, and I would be interested in working in a school setting.
• I am currently working in a school as an Ed Tech or other support position, and would like to further develop my skills.
• I would love to get a job that matches my child’s school year schedule better.
• I have a degree, but I am underemployed and would love to support my local school during this time.
• I love volunteering with young people in my church and community. I want to build on that passion.
• I want to work with children but thought I would have to go to school for a long time before I could start working in a classroom. I don’t have the time or the money to do that.
• I had a professional career in teaching or a related field in my home country, but I want to work toward a professional career in the US.
• I think it is important that children see diverse representations of culture and language in classrooms, and I want to contribute to that.
• I’m scared because I don’t know if I can do school, but I really want to take advantage of this opportunity. 

No matter where you are coming from, or what challenges you face, the EMCC Education faculty are here to assist you on your journey to success. We specialize in meeting students where they are, providing flexible and supportive learning environments, and individualized guidance and resources.

• State of Maine resident
• High school graduate (including GED or equivalent)
• 18 years of age by the start of the course
• Clean criminal record – Sign background check waiver form

Inquire with any of these public assistance programs for support with any of your educational or financial needs including tuition assistance for continuing education credits, laptop and internet assistance, transportation, and other necessities.

Scholarships – Eastern Maine Community College Foundation

Eastern Maine Development Corp. WIOA program – Contact Kim Donovan, KDonovan@emdc.org, 207.561.4043, for eligibility requirements

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program – Click here for more information about this program.

Maine Community Foundation – The Maine Community Foundation offers scholarships for non-traditional students. Click here for more information or contact Cherie Galyean, CGalyean@mainecf.org, 207.412.2017.

HOPE Program Navigator (for Penobscot, Hancock, Piscataquis, Washington, and Northern Waldo counties) – Email Suzanne Graves-Hall, Suzanne.graveshall@maine.edu, 207.356.9154. Fax: 207.581.2532. Toll-free: 1.800.281.3703. General Line: Teri Mann, hope@maine.edu, 207.551.3331 or apply online.

What is the Learning Facilitator Program?

The Learning Facilitator Program is a high touch, fast-track training program for paraprofessional level educators. The program was developed in partnership with the Maine Department of Education and isdesigned to be responsive to the critical staff shortages in schools. The program is completed in two phases in one academic year. The first phase of the program is a one-week boot camp. The second phase of the program consists of a combination of online work, professional learning community meetings, and teaching apprenticeship.

What is the cost of the Learning Facilitator Program?

The program is funded by the Maine DOE or through MCCS Workforce Development program funding. The cost to participants is free.

When participants are done with the program, what credential will they have?

Participants will earn a Learning Facilitator Micro-Credential awarded by Eastern Maine Community College and authorized by the Maine Community College System and will earn up to 9 credits of college coursework in Education. The micro-credential consists of a series of 10 stackable digital badges that demonstrate the earner’s competency in core content areas. Participants who complete the full Learning Facilitator Micro-Credential program are eligible to receive Ed Tech III level certification through the Maine Department of Education.

What are digital badges and micro-credentials?

A digital micro-credential is a new type of credential that provides an avenue for learners to complete pathways of learning through nontraditional routes. When applied in the field of education, micro-credentials are a form of micro-certification earned by proving competence in one specific skill at a time, via a portfolio of evidence, created through the intersection of online learning and classroom practice. They are competency based, personalized and self-directed, job embedded, and allow an earner to demonstrate new or existing expertise in a content area.

What are participants in the Learning Facilitator Program qualified to do?

Participants are eligible to become paid school staff after completing phase one of the program, the introductory boot camp. Upon completion of this week-long 3-credit course, participants have the foundational skills necessary to fill short- and long-term sub roles, as well as all paraprofessional level positions. They can support instruction and provide guidance to learners in the classroom under the supervision of a mentor teacher or teaching team. Mentor teachers or teaching teams may be working remotely or in-person. Please Note: Completers of the Learning Facilitator program are NOT eligible for Emergency Teacher Certification.

What do participants learn in the boot camp?

Participants learn the foundational elements of managing a classroom, providing instructional support, implementing positive guidance techniques, and working as a member of a teaching team. They complete fingerprinting requirements, mandated reporter training, and suicide awareness and prevention training.

What type of support is provided to participants after the boot camp?

After the boot camp, participants become part of a learning community based on the age group they are working with. The learning community meets two times per month for the duration of the school year. During this time, they complete deeper training and earn digital badges in 6 core areas: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Effective Observation, Positive Guidance, Instructional Strategies, Inclusive Practices, and Educational Partnerships. They also participate in a teaching apprenticeship where they document 315 hours of classroom time. During the apprenticeship, they are supervised by mentor teachers or teaching teams and EMCC/MCCS faculty for the duration of the school year. They will be formally evaluated twice by their mentor teachers.

What are the benefits of hiring a Learning Facilitator Program participant?

The benefit is to meet staffing needs. The participants are trained to step into positions to assist schools in providing quality support and instruction for students. They are not just available to keep children safe; they are prepared to assist teachers to meet student needs during this time.

How does this micro-credential crosswalk to certification requirements for Education Technicians?

Participants who complete the full Learning Facilitator Micro-Credential pathway are eligible to receive Ed Tech III level certification through the Maine Department of Education. There are currently three pieces of legislation in place to support this eligibility – LD 1189, LD1207, and LD 1366. For more information, please follow these links:

o LD 1189 was signed into effect by Governor Mills on June 16, 2021 (see: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0867&item=3&snum=130)

o LD 1207 was signed into effect by Governor Mills on April 14, 2022 (see: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0393&item=3&snum=130)

o LD 1366 was signed into effect by Governor Mills on June 16, 2023 (see: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0880&item=3&snum=131)

Please Note: Completers of the Learning Facilitator program are NOT eligible for Emergency Teacher Certification.

As a school partner, am I able to enroll existing paraprofessional educators in the program?

Yes. We welcome the opportunity to work with learners who are new to the field of education, and those who are already working in the field and would like to further develop their existing skill set.