School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies
The School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies is the unit of the College that fosters leadership in the developmental and educational sciences of prevention, intervention, and the study of practices that promote:
- Early learning
- Development and well-being of children and youth
- Effective instruction and successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in society
Academic Programs
Special Education
UF’s special education degree programs are dedicated to shaping the future of strengths-based education. Our comprehensive programs are designed to equip both aspiring and current teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in accessible educational settings. Additionally, we offer advanced training for future researchers and policy makers, empowering them to drive innovation and advocate for effective policies in the field of special education.
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.
School Psychology
The mission of the University of Florida’s School Psychology Program (SPP) is to prepare school psychology practitioners and scholars whose activities promote the psychological and educational development and well-being of children and youth.
The program is grounded in a scientist-practitioner model as reflected in its commitment to a synthesis between science and practice throughout all academic and professional preparation opportunities. This is an on-campus program, with a small student-to-faculty ratio, situated in a resource-rich university.
News
Special Education Distinguished Professor Emerita Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Mary T. Brownell, Ph.D. was recently announced as the 2026 Council for Exceptional Children Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This award recognizes a CEC member who has made continued, sustained, and impactful contributions to the field of...
UF Early Childhood Policy Institute Supports 24 Graduate Students Visiting State Capitol
In its second annual iteration, the UF Early Childhood Policy Institute brought 24 graduate students from across UF programs (from early childhood to ed leadership and policy to other programs outside of the College of Education) to Tallahassee for a day of meeting...
School Psychology Doctoral Student, Kira Alqueza, receives University-level Emerging Scholar Award
SESPECS School Psychology doctoral candidate, Kira Alqueza, has been named a winner of the Association for Academic Women’s (AAW) Emerging Scholar Award for her dissertation, titled Psychiatric Rehospitalization Among Adolescent Service Users: A Foucauldian Discourse...
