TOP Birth – 5 FAQ - Applying to TOP: Birth – 5

Here you will find information about the process of applying to participate in the Graduate Specialization in Early Intervention (GSEI) and receive funding toward tuition through the TOP: B-5 federal personnel preparation grant (US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs).

Please note: The TOP funding opportunities will end August 2011; therefore we are no longer accepting applications from students. If you would like information about specific courses for the Masters in Special Education with specialization in Early Intervention or about courses that would meet the requirements for the ME 282 B-5 certification, please contact Sandy Doctoroff or Deborah Rooks-Ellis.

Steps in the Application Process

1. Complete the Application for the Graduate Specialization in Early Intervention (PDF) and the Financial Support Agreement (PDF). Mail the application and agreement to:

Angie Schickle
University of Maine
Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies
48 Tandberg Trail
Windham, ME 04062

2. Students are notified in writing about acceptance to the GSEI and tuition funding through TOP: B-5. The student then completes and returns the Intent to Enroll form enclosed with the acceptance letter to confirm their participation. Information about registering for classes and about a mandatory orientation that all new students must attend is then provided to students who have confirmed their intention to participate. Further information to help students get started can be found in the New to TOP: B-5 section of this website.
3. Acceptance to the Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) or Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.) is separate from acceptance for participation in the GSEI classes and TOP: B-5. Students must apply directly to the University of Maine Graduate School. Students who plan to pursue the M.Ed. or C.A.S. are encouraged to begin the process of applying for admission as early as possible. Prospective students may submit an application for admission to the Graduate School at the same time the application to the GSEI/TOP: B-5 is submitted or after submission of the GSEI/TOP: B-5 application. Please go to Admission to the Masters Degree for information on the application process.