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2024-2025 University Catalog
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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 STA2023 Elementary Statistics. 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 EDF2085 Intro to Diversity for Educators, courses in American History and American Federal Government as well as Introduction to Psychology, and Science courses, e.g., Earth Science; Discovering Chemistry; or Introduction to Chemistry; Principles of Biology (for non-science majors) and Discover How Things Work 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 2010, 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.
  • Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Development is fully online at the upper-level. There is a lower-level prerequisite course required, EDF 1005 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession. This course requires 2 full days of observation in public schools in the local Jacksonville area during the semester. If you are not applying with EDF 1005 (or EDF X005) completed at a previous institution, you will be required to take this course and attend the in-person observation days in Jacksonville. Please contact coehs-advising@unf.edu before applying if you have questions or concerns

Term 1: Attempted Hours 0-15

Schedule Credit Hours
IDS1932 (GW) First-Year Writing Seminar OR ENC1101 (GW) Audience and Purpose 3
EDF1005 Intro to Teaching Profession (Program Prerequisite) 3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 
(When selecting a math course College Algebra or Elementary Statistics is recommended)
3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a Free Elective Course (See options listed above) 3
Total Hours: 15

Term 2: Attempted Hours 16-30

Schedule Credit Hours
ENC1101 (GW) Audience and Purpose OR IDS1932 (GW) First-Year Writing Seminar
(Select the course not taken in Term 1)
3
EDF2085 Intro to Diversity for Educators OR EME2040 Intro to Technology for Educators
(Both courses are recommended)
3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 
(When selecting a math course STA2023 Elementary Statistics is recommended)
3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a Free Elective Course (See options listed above) 3
Total Hours: 15

Mile Marker(s)
EDF1005 Intro to Teaching Profession Minimum Grade C

Term 3: Attempted Hours 31-45

Schedule Credit Hours
Select a second Gen Ed Written Communication Course
(See Degree Evaluation)
3
EDF2085 Intro to Diversity for Educators OR EME2040 Intro to Technology for Educators
(Both courses are recommended)
3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a Free Elective Course (See options listed above) 3
Total Hours: 15

Term 4: Attempted Hours 46-60

Schedule Credit Hours
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) 3
Select a Free Elective Course (See options listed above) 3
Select a Free Elective Course (See options listed above) 3
Total Hours: 15

Mile Marker(s)
General Education Requirements

Term 5: Attempted Hours 61-75

Schedule Credit Hours
EEC4054 Leadership and Service in EC 3
EEC4321 Teaching Math in EC 3
EEC4323 Teaching Science in EC 3
Select a Major Elective (If Needed) 3
Select a Free Elective (If Needed) 3
Total Hours: 15

Mile Marker(s)
EEC4054 Leadership and Service in EC Minimum Grade C

EEC4321 Teaching Math in EC Minimum Grade C

EEC4323 Teaching Science in EC Minimum Grade C


Term 6: Attempted Hours 76-90

Schedule Credit Hours
EEC4260 The Whole Child and Play  3
EEC4245 Social Studies in EC 3
EEC3266 Program Planning Young Child 3
Select two Major Electives (If Needed) 6
Total Hours: 15

Mile Marker(s)
EEC4260 Teaching the Whole Child Minimum Grade C
EEC4245 Social Studies in EC Minimum Grade C
EEC3266 Program Planning Young Child Minimum Grade C
Civic Literacy Requirement


Summer 3

Schedule Credit Hours
EEC3731 Wellness & Move/Young Child (Offered Summer term only) 3
EEC4410 Global Community Engagement (Offered Summer term only) 3
Select a Free Elective (If Needed) 3
Total Hours: 9

Mile Marker(s)
EEC3731 Wellness & Move/Young Child Minimum Grade C
EEC4410 Global Community Engagement Minimum Grade C

Term 7: Attempted Hours 91-105

Schedule Credit Hours
EEC3408 Family School Partnerships 3
EEC4213 Literacy in EC  3
Select two Major Electives (If Needed)  9
Select one of the following: EEX4275 Instructional Strategies for Teaching Exceptional Learners in Gen Ed Studies OR EDG4340 Teaching All Learners in a Differentiated P-6 Classroom  3
Total Hours: 15

Mile Marker(s)

EEX4275 OR EDG4340 Minimum Grade C

EEC4213 Literacy in Childhood Minimum Grade C


Term 8: Attempted Hours 106-120

Schedule Credit Hours
EEC4940 Childhood Practicum 3
EEC4207 Measure & Eval of Young Child 3
Select two Major Electives (If Needed) 6
Total Hours: 12
NOTE: EEC3940 may be substituted with a field course or EEC4912 Supervised Inquiry. Consult your advisor. 

Total Program Hours:

120

 

The Osprey Map is not a contract between the University of North Florida and the student. It should be used as a general guide for the purpose of meeting requirements and constructing course schedules. The Map may be altered periodically to meet the objectives of the academic program or the university.