Period I
Online Orientation (self-paced) May 11, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Online Orientation Welcome Session Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST
The requirements of this segment of the program will be provided to adult learners upon acceptance. Adult learners may proceed through the material at their own pace, but all requirements must be fulfilled prior to the start of Period II. Completion time estimated between 15 - 20 hours.
Period II
In Residence Summer Academics (5 weeks)
Monday, June 8, 2026 – Friday, July 10, 2026
HMEI closed July 3, 2026
Classes: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Period III
Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)
September 2026 to June 2027
Minimum 3 hours/day, 5 mornings/week for the duration of the 9-month academic year.
Practicum Phase Course Work:
Online Course Work:
Classes will meet on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates:
September 2, 9, 16 January 13, 20 April 7, 14
October 14, 21, 28 February 10, 17, 24 May 5, 12
December 2, 9 March 3, 24, 31
Practicum Phase In-Residence Seminars:
Fall Semester (2.5 days)
Friday, November 6, 2026 – Sunday, November 8, 2026
Friday and Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Early Childhood Overview (2.5 days) Required for those adult learners who do not have Early Childhood (3-6) certification.
Friday, January 29, 2027 – Sunday, January 31, 2027
Friday and Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Additional 4 hours of asynchronous course work required before Early Childhood Overview begins.
Spring Semester (2.5 days)
Friday, April 23, 2027 – Sunday, April 25, 2027
Friday and Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: Fluency in English is necessary for the successful completion of the HMEI Education Course. All classes will be conducted in English; all coursework and homework assignments must be submitted in English.