Early Childhood Education
We have programs that are designed to meet the needs of traditional undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as working professionals who have a passion for supporting young children and their families.
Our programs prepare practitioners and researchers for the exciting field of early childhood studies. Students learn about developmentally appropriate programming and evidence-based practices to support the learning and development of young children and their families.
Program Highlights by the Numbers
Personalized Learning
Small class sizes ensure individual attention and meaningful faculty-student relationships that foster academic success.
Average Undergraduate Class Size
Average Graduate Class Size
Our commitment to small class sizes enables:
- Student-centered learning approaches with individualized feedback
- Integration of technology and traditional teaching methods
- Focus on practical skill development through hands-on activities
- Collaborative learning environments that encourage peer interaction
- More opportunities for class participation and discussion
Career Outcomes
Our graduates achieve exceptional career success with comprehensive job placement support and outcomes.
Career Success Rate
Every graduate seeking employment in their field secures a position
Important Note: While we track graduates who remain in Florida for employment, our 100% placement rate includes all graduates who actively seek positions in their field, whether in-state or nationwide.
- Comprehensive career counseling and job placement services
- Industry connections and networking opportunities
- Alumni mentorship programs for career guidance
- Portfolio development and interview preparation support
- Ongoing career development resources for graduates
Comprehensive Field Experience
Our students gain extensive hands-on experience through innovative technology and traditional field placements, totaling over 600 hours of practical learning opportunities.
AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality Simulations
Cutting-edge BAE ECE program featuring immersive AR technology for realistic practice scenarios
Graduate Practicum
Supervised field experience providing hands-on application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings
Graduate Internship
Extended professional experience working directly with industry partners and mentoring professionals
Undergraduate Internship
Comprehensive field placement providing extensive real-world experience and professional development
Early Childhood Program Offerings
The Early Childhood Studies program provides both online and campus-based degree programs. We offer an online undergraduate Bachelor’s degree resulting in a Florida teaching certificate for Age 3- Grade 3, campus-based and online Masters, and a campus-based Ph.D. program. Not ready for a full degree or want to add on to your existing degree? We also offer two different online graduate certificates, a graduate minor, and an online undergraduate minor.
ON-CAMPUS Doctoral Concentration
Doctoral Concentration
Ph.D. Graduate Minor
Graduate Minor
The minor in early childhood provides on-campus doctoral students across campus expertise in young children’s early development and learning with a focus on children (birth – five years old) who are vulnerable due to biological, environmental, or established risk conditions and their families.
On-Campus and Online M.A.E.
Master’s Program
The MAE program in Early Childhood Education at the University of Florida’s College of Education prepares practitioner leaders to support young children from birth through age eight. These tracks emphasizes early learning and development through coursework in curriculum design, child development, and effective instructional strategies. It also explores the broader policy and leadership contexts of early childhood studies, equipping graduates for impactful roles in teaching, administration, or further academic study.
Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies
Certificate Program
This fully online 12-credit graduate certificate is designed for professionals and graduate students interested in gaining knowledge and applying their skills in the areas of developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment, policies and trends, and facilitating meaningful engagement with young children and their families.
Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education Policy
Certificate Program
This fully online 12-credit graduate certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education Policy supports the development of a robust cadre of early childhood leaders and policymakers equipped to effectively serve young children.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Undergraduate Program
The Early Childhood Education B.A.E. program is an interdisciplinary teacher education program designed to prepare educators to work with all children, from age three to grade 3, and their families.
Online Undergraduate Minor in Early Childhood Studies
Undergraduate Minor
The Early Childhood Studies minor is available to undergraduates in all colleges who are interested in issues involving support of early development and learning for young children birth to five. This is also an online specialization track in the Education Sciences degree.
Affiliated Centers and Collaboratives
Early Childhood Policy Centers Collaborative
The Early Childhood Policy Centers Collaborative bridges the Educational Leadership Program and Early Childhood Program as well as affiliated Centers to prepare the future of early childhood policy leaders. The Early Childhood Policy Centers Collaborative offers a graduate certificate in early childhood care and education policy and serves as a research collaborative for faculty and graduate students.
Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies (AZCEECS)
The Anita Zucker Center at the University of Florida is a nationally recognized hub for research, policy, and practice in early childhood studies. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Center advances data-informed policymaking, supports strong family-professional partnerships, and develops innovative strategies to improve outcomes for young children and their families. Its work spans from local to national levels, focusing on equitable access to quality early learning and care, leadership development, and community engagement.
Program News
EduGators Explore Education and Culture in Ecuador and the Galapagos
From classroom floors to Galapagos sands, EduGators immersed themselves in a six-week journey exploring the education, families, and culture of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Researchers are Using AI for Early Childhood Language Assessment to Support Intervention Efforts
Dwight Irvin, Ph.D., is helping to transform early childhood language assessments through a pilot project in partnership with researchers at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project.
UF graduate students get hands-on experience in Washington D.C.
Five University of Florida Early Childhood Care and Education Policy graduate students joined a cohort of scholars from partner institutions in the Early Childhood Policy in Institutions of Higher Education (ECPIHE) initiative from across the country at a 3-day Federal Policy Institute in Washington, DC to meet with early childhood policymakers and learn from national experts.