Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

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.

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By integrating the knowledge bases of early childhood education, special education and educational psychology, this program prepares educators with the skills, knowledge and dispositions to support the learning and development of young children with and without disabilities, and from socio-culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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.

Students who complete this program are eligible for:

Professional certification in Prekindergarten/Primary (age 3 to grade three)
Endorsements in:
- Prekindergarten Disabilities
- Reading
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The goal of this program is to prepare early childhood educators to provide for the education and care of a diverse group of children in inclusive early childhood programs.

Program of Study (PDF, 174KB)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for admittance to this program?

The limited access program admits high-quality teacher candidates who meet state-mandated admission requirements and show potential for the teaching profession.

Admission to the undergraduate program for rising juniors and transfer students is selective and minimally requires:

Passing General Knowledge test scores from the Florida Teacher Certification Examination
Completing all General Education requirements, including a writing requirement
Completing EDF1005 Introduction to Education with a grade of B or higher and a course in Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology
A minimum 2.6 GPA
A minimum of 60 credits; the AA is required for transfer applicants
Early Childhood Education applicants are asked to submit a Personal Goals Statement (PGS) addressing the following:
- Why do you wish to pursue a career in early childhood education?
- What personal qualities and/or experiences volunteering or working in educational or related settings make you a good candidate for a career in early childhood education?
- After having read the description of the Early Childhood Education program, describe how you think this program will meet your personal and career goals.

When am I able to be admitted to the program?

The Early Childhood B.A.E. program is currently only admitting students for Fall admission.

What is the cost to attend this program?

All pricing and fees for University of Florida courses can be found on the Office of Student Financial Affairs website.

Who do I contact for more information on this program?

Program Contact:

Robin Rossie
Academic Advisor
rrossie@coe.ufl.edu
(352) 273-4377

Program Coordinator:

Tara Mathien, Ed.D.
tmathien@coe.ufl.edu

What teaching certification and/or endorsements will be I eligible for by completing this program?

Students who complete this program are eligible for:

Professional certification in Prekindergarten/Primary (age 3 to grade three)
Endorsements in:
- Prekindergarten Disabilities
- Reading
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

How does this compare with the elementary education program?

The Early Childhood Education program

prepares educators to work with children from age three to grade 3, and their families in early learning settings, with a particular emphasis on child development age three to age eight, emergent literacy, inclusion, and equity.
Careers options in teaching and administration of childcare programs including Head Start, VPK, and private and public preschool settings, as well as careers in kindergarten through grade 3 teaching in public and private schools.
Program leads to Florida Age Three to Grade Three teacher certification with endorsements in reading, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and Prekindergarten Disabilities

The Elementary Education program:

prepares educators to work with children from kindergarten to sixth grade in public school and other educational settings, with a particular emphasis on elementary school curriculum and pedagogy, early and intermediate literacy development, and teaching for equity and social justice
Career options in kindergarten through sixth grade teaching in elementary and middles school settings
Program leads to Florida Elementary K-6 certification with endorsements in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages.