Early Childhood Education
Prospective Early Childhood Education Students
Discover your passion for shaping the lives of young children and their families through UF’s nationally recognized Early Childhood programs. Whether you’re an aspiring educator, a seasoned professional, or a researcher, our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact. Join a community of learners dedicated to evidence-based practices and innovative approaches that address the unique developmental, well-being, and educational needs of young children. Take the next step toward transforming education today!
On-Campus Doctoral Concentration
Doctoral Concentration
The concentration in early childhood provides Ph.D. students within the Special Education and School Psychology programs 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.
Entry: Fall
Typical Course Load: Varies
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15 Students
Application Deadline: January 31st
Program Completion: ~4 years
Ph.D. Graduate Minor
Graduate Minor
The Graduate Minor in Early Childhood is designed to offer interdisciplinary graduate education by combining coursework and applied research opportunities focused on areas within the field of early childhood including health, mental health, early education and care, early intervention, policy and law, and family and community-based social supports. The minor provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to interact with faculty across disciplines who have diverse academic backgrounds and areas of research and expertise.
Entry: Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-time available
Average Class Size: 15-20 Students
Application Deadline: March 15 (Fall)
Program Completion: ~4 years
Online Ed.D. Concentration in Early Childhood education
Doctoral Program
The online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Special Education at the University of Florida is a CPED-influenced professional practice doctorate designed to prepare graduates for career advancement as service providers, school leaders, professional development facilitators, and advocates for individuals with disabilities. The program takes approximately four years to complete and culminates in an applied dissertation experience supervised by our world renowned special education faculty.
Entry: Fall
Requirements: Master’s degree in relevant field
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-time
Application Deadline: February 1st
Program Completion: 4 years
On-campus and online M.A.E.
Master’s Program
The early childhood studies track includes coursework focused on the practice of early childhood education, intervention, and service provision. Coursework includes a focus on early childhood curriculum, child development, and effective early childhood instructional methods. An applicant who chooses this program track may plan to pursue a future doctorate, may intend to engage in coaching with teachers or parents, or may endeavor to become a better teacher or administrator. This program has a focus on birth through kindergarten.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15th (Summer), June 15th (Fall), and October 15th (Spring)
Program Completion: ~2 years
Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Certificate Program
This fully online 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 diverse families.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 15-20
Application Deadline: February 15th (Summer), June 15th (Fall), and October 15th (Spring)
Program Completion: ~2 years
*Domestic students only. International student deadline is March 15.
Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education Policy
Certificate Program
The 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. With fully online coursework covering leadership, policy advocacy, theory and analysis, the certificate provides the training needed to effectively lead organizations, contribute to policy-making, and analyze early childhood policy at the local, state, and federal level.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6-9 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15th (Summer), June 15th (Fall), and October 15th (Spring)
Program Completion: ~3 years
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Undergraduate Program
This four-year program’s emphasis on evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching practices, combined with its highly-intentional connections between course content and field experiences, are designed to provide students rich understanding of the research-to-practice foundations of early education.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 15-20
Application Deadline: February 15th (Summer), June 15th (Fall), and October 15th (Spring)
Program Completion: ~2 years
*Domestic students only. International student deadline is March 15.
Online Undergraduate Minor in Early Childhood Studies
Undergraduate Minor
The Early Childhood Studies minor facilitates understanding of the transdisciplinary field of early childhood studies by exploring the intersections among early care and education, health/mental health, and family support systems. The scope of courses explores the science, policy, and implementation of practices to support early development, learning, health, and wellbeing from child- and family-centered equity perspectives, specifically focusing on birth to age 5. This minor does not lead to teacher certification.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6-9 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15th (Summer), June 15th (Fall), and October 15th (Spring)
Program Completion: ~3 years
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