Undergraduate Degree in Early Childhood Education with UF Online
Take the first step toward a rewarding career with our online Early Childhood Education degree program. Designed for aspiring educators, the Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Florida Online program offers a transdisciplinary approach to teacher education, focusing on children aged three through grade three and their families.
The Early Childhood Education major in the College of Education at the University of Florida is an approved comprehensive and completely online undergraduate teacher preparation program. Through our online program, students will gain a rich understanding of the research-to-practice foundations of early childhood education in this program. This degree is intended for students seeking initial teacher certification in prekindergarten through grade 3 in Florida and requires physical presence in Florida for all practical experiences. Emphasis is on evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching practices, combined with highly intentional connections between course content and field experiences.
Early Childhood Education Teaching Credentials
The Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program is approved by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and the Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP) as an initial teacher preparation program. Students completing the Early Childhood Education degree are eligible for the following Florida credentials:
Certification: Prekindergarten/Primary Age 3 – Grade 3
Support the learning and development of young children with and without disabilities, and from socio-culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Endorsement: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Effectively communicate with students whose home language is not standard English.
Endorsement: Reading
Employing the latest evidence-based strategies to improve reading comprehension and retention.
Endorsement: Prekindergarten Disabilities
Provide for the education and care of a diverse group of children in inclusive early childhood programs.
Admissions Requirements
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Career Tracks and Opportunities
What professions will a major in Early Childhood Education
help prepare you for?
- Kindergarten – Grade 3 teacher: Foster the growth and development of young learners in classroom settings.
- Early Learning teacher: Lead educational programs for preschoolers, including Prekindergarten, VPK, or Head Start initiatives.
- Teaching coach: Provide guidance and support to educators in refining their teaching practices.
- Childcare program administrator: Oversee the operations of childcare centers and programs, ensuring quality education and care for young children.
Please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Career One Stop for additional suggestions on further career pathways and opportunities.
In addition to teaching young children, graduates of this program may also pursue careers as teaching coaches for early childhood programs or as childcare program administrators.
The 2016 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates favorable job prospects for specialists prepared by the Early Childhood Education degree. According to the handbook, a 7% increase is expected over the next 10 years in training and development fields related to Early Childhood Education.
Note: Students must pass a Level II criminal background check prior to enrollment in the upper-division program.
Admissions Requirements
- If you have 0-11 transferable college credits, review the Freshman admissions requirements.
- If you have 12-59 transferable credits, review the Lower Division Transfer admission requirements.
Upper division transfer applicants (students with 60 or more college credits earned) and Second Bachelor’s degree seeking applicants are considered for Fall admission only. Admission is selective. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 2.6 or higher, hold an Associate of Arts or bachelor’s degree from a Florida public institution or have completed a parallel General Education program, and have completed the following common prerequisite course with a grade of B or better:
- Introduction to the Teaching Profession (EDF 1005 or EDF 2005)
- A course titled Intro to Education/Intro to Teaching Profession (or anything similar) completed at a private or out-of-state institution may be considered as a substitute for EDF 1005.
The UF College of Education strongly prefers that upper division transfer applicants and second bachelor’s degree seeking students complete a course in Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology (DEP 2004 and other course numbers) prior to admission.
Additionally, upper division transfer applicants must submit passing General Knowledge Test scores from the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
*Note:
- All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of B or better.
- Unsuccessful attempts in prerequisite courses may lower competitiveness.
- Unsuccessful attempts in additional courses in the desired major may lower competitiveness.
- Out of state courses used to meet prerequisites may need to be evaluated by the appropriate department upon admission.
Why Choose UF Online For Your Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree?
At the University of Florida, our passion goes beyond our walls – and so do our opportunities.
At the University of Florida, we redefine online education by offering a dynamic learning experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Our Bachelor of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education blends diverse disciplines such as early childhood education, special education, and educational psychology to prepare educators for the multifaceted challenges of teaching young children as a career.
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.
Our online program stands at the forefront, providing flexible academic options with the same dedicated faculty and rigor that makes us a leading university and top research institution. We connect people with opportunities, remove barriers, and set the standard for online higher education. UF Online graduates earn the same elite degree they would receive on campus, and they will be at the top of the list for the best employment opportunities in the country.
