Early Childhood Education: Early Childhood Development

The Osprey Map provides a term-by-term sample schedule for each undergraduate academic program at the University of North Florida. It is designed to guide students in the selection of courses each term. The "Mile Marker" courses are those courses that should be completed before or by the end of that term. Following the sample schedule, and completing the mile marker courses at the appropriate point of your undergraduate career, will facilitate graduation in four years. The term-by-term model assumes full-time enrollment. For students enrolled part-time, the sample schedule and mile markers should be followed based on the number of credits completed. The Osprey Map should be used in consultation with an academic advisor.

The Early Childhood Development concentration of the Early Childhood Education major meets the needs of those working in the early childhood field, who need a four year degree but do not need a Florida Department of Education teaching certificate. Students can choose from a variety of electives that will allow them to tailor their program to meet their professional goals. Field placements will be done in concert with the early childhood faculty and can take place in a variety of settings, including where the student is employed, if appropriate. Graduates will be well-equipped for jobs in the early childhood sector, including Head Start, childcare directors, early learning coaches, early childhood and health-related and safety non-profits and other agencies.

Career Planning
Engaging in career planning activities is significant to student success. UNF offers customized career centers to deliver targeted programs, events, services and resources. First-Year and Exploratory students should visit the Career Services webpage and Sophomore or higher level students with a declared COEHS major should visit the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS).

Students should refer to their personalized Degree Evaluation provided by an academic advisor and to other university resources for additional university and college-specific policies. Visit the undergraduate university catalog for more information.

Summer terms may be utilized to facilitate graduation in four years.

• Visit the university catalog for a list General Education requirements. An Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public university, state college or community college satisfies UNF general education and Gordon Rule requirements. Math selection is contingent upon appropriate placement score, the student's major and credit received through accelerated mechanisms (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, etc). Early Childhood Education majors are encouraged to take MGF 1113 Math for Teachers I. General Education course work must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Visit the Early Childhood Education Tab on the Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Undergraduate Programs webpage for a complete list of prerequisites. Students are encouraged to speak with College of Education faculty directly regarding questions about the teaching profession.
• A minimum grade of "C" is required in all course work earned for the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE).
• When selecting Free Electives, students should consider courses in both Cultural Diversity/Cross Cultural Awareness and in the Liberal-Arts. EDF2085 Intro to Diversity for Educators will also satisfy a UNF General Education Critical Thinking requirement. Courses in American History and American Federal Government as well as Introduction to Psychology, and Science courses, e.g., Earth Science; Chemistry for Liberal Arts; or Introduction to Chemistry; and Principles of Biology (for non-science majors) are recommended. Students should consult university catalog or an advisor for specific course numbers and other course recommendations.
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.50 or better for each semester they are enrolled in this program.
• A level 2 background check (including fingerprints) must be completed, verified and submitted (prior to the start Term 5) to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS) before enrolling in Early Childhood (EEC prefix) courses. Students who already have a valid/current background check should submit documentation to the Early Childhood Program Director who will provide it to the OASIS.
• Civic Literacy Requirement: Prior to graduation from a Florida state university, students must demonstrate competency in civic literacy through successful completion of a civic literacy course (AMH 2020 or POS 2041) and by achieving a passing score on an assessment. Consult an academic advisor, the university catalog and visit the Civic Literacy webpage for additional information.
• A minimum of 120 hours (48 hours at the upper 3000/4000 level) is required at the university for bachelor's degree.