If you are considering earning a degree in education working with young children, this list of accredited education degree programs in Florida may prove a valuable tool. Teaching young children is a way to affect the future of the country. Educators must understand their developmental milestones and leverage them to teach the skills that are the foundation of their educational experiences. Florida is home to more than a million children under the age of five. In addition, there are many families for whom English is not the first language. These degree programs teach the skills teachers must have to address the needs of educating young children.
Florida Atlantic University
College of Education
Florida Atlantic University is ranked by the US News and World Report in the second tier of National Universities. The school was founded in 1964. The College of Education is the fourth largest college at the university. More than a third of students in the college are older than thirty. The FAU College of Education is home to many resources including the A.D. Henderson University School, the FAU High School, the Karen Slattery Educational Research Center and others. These centers provide needed educational resources for the community as well as hands-on educational experiences for FAU education students.
Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Education
This is a joint degree program between the Department of Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry and the Department of Exceptional Student Education. The program, offered at the Boca Raton campus, requires all students to complete 60 credit hours of lower division coursework before beginning the major courses. Students in the program will take classes and complete fieldwork from both cooperating departments. They will also have advisors in each department. Graduates from this accredited early childhood education program will be prepared to work in child care and children’s services for children from birth to age five. The courses are sequential and must be taken as prescribed in the catalog.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( university accreditation}
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Council for Academic Accreditation in Auditory and Speech Pathology
• Approved by the Florida Board of Education
Contact
College of Education
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, Florida
33431
561-297-0801
sdarlin4@fcu.edu
http://www.coe.fau.edu/academicdepartments/ese/undergrad.php#BECE
Florida Gulf Coast University
College of Education
This university, established in 1991, is ranked by the US News and World report as #80 of Regional Universities South. The College of Education ranks as #180 as the Best Education School. It houses courses in pre-K through 20 education, curriculum, research and leadership. The mission of the school is to provide “diverse environments of excellence that support dynamic learning experiences.” The College of Education offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, as well as a teacher Immersion Program that is intended to help people from other careers become teachers.
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
This Florida accredited education degree program is designed to prepare students for teacher certification through the Florida Department of Education for PreKindergarten/Primary (age three to third grade) and PreKindergarten with a Disability Endorsement. The 129 credit-hour degree program is intended to give students competency in content and an understanding of cultural diversity and individual differences that affect learning. Graduates will be able to design and implement programs for “positive learning experiences” for young children and use their knowledge to “create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging. They will be competent in working with students, their families and the community.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( institutional accreditation)
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Approved by the Florida Department of Education
Contact
College of Education
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida
33965-6565
239-590-7749
eelliot@fgcu.edu
https://www.fgcu.edu/coe/programs/undergraduateprograms/earlychildhoodeducation-ba
Florida International University
College of Education
This university ranks in the second tier of the US News and World Report listing of National Universities. It was founded in 1972. The College of Education is divided into two departments: Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Professional Studies. The school strives to connect and communicate with the community and was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Community Engagement Classification. Through its accredited education degree programs this college seeks to meet the academic needs of teachers at all stages of their careers and stresses field experience in local schools as a way to put together theory and practice.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Students in this program will gain knowledge, obtain skills and have “dispositions necessary to become leaders, advocates and researchers in child development and learning.” The 120 credit-hour program is available in two tracks. The Early Child Development track is focused on giving students an understanding of development and learning in young children, but does not result in teacher certification. The second track is Early Childhood Pre K/ Primary (Age three to third grade) with English as a Second Language endorsement. This track leads to teacher certification, and is offered in an online format as well as traditional classes. It contains 126 credit hours.
Accreditation
• The university is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
• National Council for Accreditation of teacher Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Council on Rehabilitation Education
Contact
College of Education
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street
Zeb Building
Miami, Florida
33199
305-348-3211
salmona@fiu.edu
http://education.fiu.edu/bachelors_degrees.html?expanddiv=bs2,bs2b
Florida State University
College of Education
US News and World Report ranks this university, offering accredited education degrees in Florida, as #91 of National Universities. It was founded in 1951. The College of Education says it offers a “unique combination of global-class academics” and a close-knit student community. The Carnegie Foundation has designated the university as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive and the College of Education stresses educational research as well. The school is committed to providing the most advanced and recent technology in its classrooms.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
This program prepares students to teach PreK through grade three students in public or private school environments. It uses the service-learning model, which means that much of the learning happens while providing services to the community. The college is selective in admitting students to the 120 credit-hour program. After completing the required liberal study coursework, there are a remaining four semesters to complete for graduation. The college admits students in the fall term only. The program ends in Florida teacher certification for ages three, four, kindergarten and primary through grade three.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• CACREP- Mental Health Counseling/EDS
Contact
College of Education
Florida State University
600 West College Ave.
Tallahassee, Florida
32306
850-644-3760
ebirkin@fsu.edu
http://education.fsu.edu/degrees-and-programs/early-childhood-education
Nova Southeastern University
Abraham S. Fischler School of Education
This university ranks in the second tier of the US News and World Report listing of National Universities, and first for online doctoral degrees. The school of education, which offers student-centered accredited education degree programs, also awards certification and courses for personal development. There are more than 20 degrees and 80 specializations available through the Abraham S. Fischler School of Education.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
Students in this 120 credit-hour program can take advantage of the Mailman Segal Center to enrich their educational experiences. They will study early child development and learning and also look at issues like autism. Although the degree is not intended to lead to teacher certification, it will place students in positions of high employment demand. The program covers children from birth to age eight, including infant learning patterns and assessments, and strategies for interfacing with special needs children. Courses are delivered in traditional format or online.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• National Association of School Psychologists
Contact
Abraham S. Fischler School of Education
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
33314
954-262-8644
martrobw@nova.edu
http://education.nova.edu/undergraduate/bs/index.html
University of Central Florida
College of Education and Human Performance
This university, founded in 1963, is ranked as #168 of National Universities by the US News and World Report. In 2004 the College of Education and Human Performance launched a program called the UCF Academy. The state-of-the art building houses conferences, simulations, speakers and outreach to enrich this Florida school’s accredited education degree programs. Events are held in the center such as the Fall Reading Clinic in which education students assist pupils in grades k-6 in one-on-one reading to ensure they are ready to return to school reading programs. The center also promotes the concept of lifelong learning which is a primary value of the college.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education
The College of Education and Human Performance offers this 120 credit-hour degree in two formats. The first is the Early Childhood Development track which is intended for those who are not interested in teacher certification. The second track leads to licensure in Florida. There is a foreign language requisite for both tracks as well as completion of mandatory liberal arts education courses. The major courses and electives contain 60 credits. The 360 hour practicum and internships are served the final semester after completion of all coursework.
Accreditation
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• National Association of School Psychologists
• Florida Department of Education
Contact
College of Education and Human Performance
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, Florida, 32816
407-823-4615
judithlevin@ucf.edu
http://education.ucf.edu/prog_page.cfm?fid=61425956745341447F750D02001666435F5178740B030104
University of Florida
College of Education
This university ranks as #47 of National Universities in the US News and World Report and #18 of Innovative Universities. The school was founded in 1853, but the College of Education did not come into existence until 1906. The college has more than 1,453 students, of which most are graduate students. The school offers 28 degrees and nine specialties in the accredited education degree programs in this Florida college where educational research is a high priority. There are 95 faculty members and the Association of American Universities named the College of Education as one of the top 20 public education schools in the country.
Unified Early Childhood ProTeach
This is an interdisciplinary five-year bachelor-to-masters accredited education degree program that results in a Preschool Certificate, PreK/Primary certification, an ESOL endorsement and an endorsement for PreK Disability. After the initial four year bachelor program there are 27 to 36 hours required to finish the degree, depending upon whether the program is completed for a degree or as a fifth year of baccalaureate study.
Related Resource: 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for a Master’s in Education
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and States
• The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs
• American Psychological Association
• The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Contact
College of Education
University of Florida
355 Tiger Hall
Gainesville, Florida 32611
352-273- 4275
lmsmith@coe.ufl.edu
https://education.ufl.edu/early-childhood-education/contact-us/
University of North Florida
College of Education and Human Services
The US News and World Report ranks this university as # 50 of Regional Universities South. It was funded in 1965. The College of Education and Human Services offers many accredited education degrees with an emphasis on urban schools. The college also has a global perspective and there are many opportunities to study and teach abroad.
Bachelor of Arts in Education in Pre-K/ Primary Education
This accredited education degree in Florida focuses on the age group three years to third grade. It leads to state certification, a minor in early childhood or a graduate certificate. The goal of the program is to provide “intentional learning experiences to enhance the student knowledge of young children, increase advocacy in the early childhood community and provide opportunities for personal growth.” There are 129 hours, including nine hours of prerequisites. Practicum/internship opportunities are offered only in the fall.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
• Florida Department of Education
Contact
College of Education and Human Services
University of North Florida
1UNF Drive
Jacksonville, Florida
32224-7699
904-620-5352
N1230143@unf.edu
http://www.unf.edu/coehs/celt/
University of South Florida
College of Education
This large university, founded in 1956, ranks #156 on the US News and World Report list of National Universities. The College of Education began in 1957 to offer accredited education degrees in Florida. The mission of the school is to support research that transforms education. The school maintains global presence through partnerships and through a vigorous study-teach -abroad program. They also receive global acknowledgement for conferences and presentations. The USF College of Education sponsors service-learning, which means that much of the classroom coursework is backed up with community work.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
This degree contains 120 credit-hours of coursework and extensive fieldwork. Before beginning courses in the major, however, students must complete state-mandated prerequisites. There are 73 hours in the major. Students in this program may complete additional coursework to earn a certification in English as a Second Language. Field experience begins in the sixth or seventh semester. Graduates of this program will have the necessary skills and knowledge they need to teach Pre-K through third grade, utilize technology in the classroom, employ ethics in their profession and to pursue professional development.
Accreditation
• Southern Associati0n of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Florida Board of Education
Contact
College of Education
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave,
Tampa Florida, 33620
813-974-2979
ctarbox@usf.edu
http://ugs.usf.edu/catalog/?catyr=1617&category=majors&display=detail&maj=BEC°=BS
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
College of Education
This university is a member of the University of Florida system, but is separately accredited. It opened its doors in 1975. The College of Education takes an unusual turn in offering accredited education degree programs in this Florida school. It marries the science of education with the creativity of the arts. At the Center of Partnership for Arts Integration Teaching (or PAinT) the interdisciplinary program teaches young teachers how to use visual, performing and literary arts to present their daily classroom curriculum.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6
Although the early childhood version of this degree is not currently being offered, students may get much of the same coursework through the K-6 degree. Students with this major will be assigned a sequence of coursework that must be followed as courses build upon one another. Students may finish state-approved coursework to become certified to teach in Florida upon demonstrating their competencies through the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. Graduates from the 120 credit-hour program will have content knowledge, ethical practice, skill at decision-making and be able to design educational experiences. Students are required to participate in clinical learning experiences throughout the program.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Contact
College of Education
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-359-4534
marieb@sar.usf.edu
http://usfsm.edu/programs/elementary-education/
University of West Florida
College of Education and Professional Studies
This school has been ranked by the US News and World Report in the second tier of National Universities. It has 12,798 students, including graduate students. The student body represents all age groups from 14 to 90, but the average age of students is 23. The College of Education and Professional Studies contains nine departments including Aerospace Studies, Criminal Justice and others, including Teacher Education and Educational Leadership which offers accredited education degree programs in Florida. One of the outstanding resources in the Teacher Education is the Coral Center which offers opportunities for research, community outreach and learning.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in Early Childhood Development
This degree program leads to teacher certification in K-6 with an endorsement in ESOL. The program contains 128 credit hours and can be combined with a minor in Early Childhood Education to give prospective students understanding of the youngest students in the education system. The minor contains 12 credit hours. There are two options for final field experience. One is a senior seminar and an internship [the other is a senior seminar and two internships. Students who complete this program will display knowledge of the content, have critical thinking skills, be proficient communicators who are adept at project management, understand and respect diversity and have values and integrity. Upon completion of the major with the minor in Early Child Education will allow the student to become certified to teach K-6 with an endorsement for PreKindergarten/Primary grades.
Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Council on Social Work Education
• Florida Department of Education
Contact
College of Education and Professional Studies
University of West Florida,
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, Florida
32514
850-857-6306
tess@uwf.edu
http://catalog.uwf.edu/undergraduate/elementaryeducation/#earlychildhoodeducation
Florida is a state well-known for its retirees, but there are also many children of elementary age. The statistics say there a million children under five. That means there is a great need for teachers, not only in Florida but across America. Teaching children at a very young age develops patterns in them that will help them be successful as they continue through their education. If you are interested in teaching, then studying this list of accredited education degree programs in Florida may be a valuable tool that will lead you to investigate these programs further.
