Early Childhood Education Program

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Two Concentration Options:

Early Childhood DevelopmentPrek-Primary Licensure

The UNF Early Childhood Education Program is accredited by NAEYC and coursework meets Florida Department of Education certification requirements and guidelines provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); the International Literary Association (ILA); and the Division of Early Childhood (DEC). The courses provide in-depth, research-based knowledge on key areas for early childhood professionals working with children from birth though age 8. The University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services Professional Development School network offers students an opportunity to work in a variety of school settings, including public, private and public charter school. For information about the program or scholarships, please contact Dr. Christian Winterbottom c.winterbottom@unf.edu or Dr. Katrina W. Hall khall@unf.edu. For the Masters in Early Childhood Educational Leadership, please contact Dr. Anne Swanson anne.swanson@unf.edu.

At the undergraduate level, the program offers two pathways to a bachelor's degree.

The PreK-Primary licensure concentration leads to state certification in prek-primary/age 3 to grade 3 with a TESOL endorsement. The concentration includes field work and a final semester-long internship at a public school. Graduates of this concentration are well-equipped for teaching in the public or private schools.

 The Early Childhood Development concentration is a non-licensure concentration that leads to a bachelor's degree. Much of this concentration is online and graduates are prepared for careers in early childhood or working with children in a variety of professions including as earl y learning teachers, directors, coaches and child advocates. This course includes a 6-credit practicum that can be done in a variety of settings. Graduate of this program go on to work in early learning centers, Head Start, Early Head Start, and child-centered non-profits. Graduates of this program may work with the faculty and advising office toward completing coursework that could be used to meet the requirements for obtaining Florida PreK-Primary teaching certificate.

The ECE program also offers a minor in early childhood that provides coursework useful for students in fields including psychology, sociology, criminal justice, pre-law, music, art, as well as elementary, ASL, deaf education and exceptional student education.

At the graduate level, the ECE offers a variety of options as well:

The graduate certificate in Early Childhood is an 18-credit program that provides a foundation for adults who want to pursue early learning coaching, training, and leadership positions in the private and public sector. Many of our students take the 18-credits in order to be able to teach early childhood courses at the undergraduate level in colleges and universities. While this certificate is stand-alone, students may work with an advisor and the graduate school to include this coursework as part of a larger masters or doctoral program.

The Elementary Education Professional Development Master's Degree with a concentration in Early Childhood is attractive for students who want to obtain a graduate degree with a focus in early childhood. This degree is suitable for teacher leaders, instructional coaches, and other positions in private and public sector.

The Early Childhood Educational Leadership Master's Degree housed in the educational leadership department includes a specialization in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy specifically in the area of early childhood. This specialization is an interdisciplinary program designed for people who work or wish to work as a leader in the field of early childhood education. The program supports the development of leadership skills for those who wish to serve in positions within community, state, and national agencies, in both the public and private sector to support the healthy development, growth, and education of families and children. This specialization provides grounding in social, historical, philosophical, developmental, educational, and international perspectives of leadership and early childhood education.

Elementary Education (K-6) Program

Program Overview

The Elementary Education program prepares teachers who can respond creatively to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds in the process of promoting their learning. The goals of the program enable pre-service teachers to demonstrate research-based pedagogical approaches, to expand their content knowledge in order to help students meet the challenges of the 21st century, to use educational technologies thoughtfully, to value democratic public education, and to appreciate the key role of critical thinking in all aspects of schooling. Faculty view the professional work of program graduates as part of their efforts in supporting reform initiatives in local public schools.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria:

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

Notes

• Professional Ed and Subject Area exams passing scores are required prior to graduation. Passing ALL FTCE (General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Subject Area Exams) is required for graduation.
• Some courses may be offered once a year, be sure to consult the course schedule each semester.
• Know the prerequisites to courses on the degree audit.
• A minimum of 48 hours at the 3000-4000 level must be satisfied to graduate.
• Grade of C or better required for all courses on program of study.
• 2.5 UNF GPA is required to be eligible for internship and graduation.
• Background check and fingerprinting is required for all education majors.

Biology Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The National Science Education Standards and the Florida Science Curriculum Framework and Sunshine State Standards promote the importance of an inquiry orientation in science teaching. The Biology Education program supports less "coverage" of material and increased depth of understanding, appropriate use of instructional technology, and use of strategies to promote meaningful learning by all students. The science education programs emphasize a sound background in the instructional processes that help future teachers to justify and modify what they do in the classroom. In accordance with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommendations, they give teachers of each content area a general science background, as well as a specialized content emphasis.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria. You must submit passing scores on all four parts of the FTCE General Knowledge exam for admission into the College of Education and Human Services.

Notes

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

Chemistry Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The National Science Education Standards and the Florida Science Curriculum Framework and Sunshine State Standards promote the importance of an inquiry orientation in science teaching. The Chemistry Education program supports less "coverage" of material and increased depth of understanding, appropriate use of instructional technology, and use of strategies to promote meaningful learning by all students. The science education programs emphasize a sound background in the instructional processes that help future teachers to justify and modify what they do in the classroom. In accordance with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommendations, they give teachers of each content area a general science background, as well as a specialized content emphasis.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

English Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The English Education program strives to prepare teacher candidates to become practitioners in diverse and dynamic school settings. The skills and knowledge required for these candidates to function effectively in such an environment include both subject matter content and teaching strategies. The first is acquired primarily through coursework completed in the College of Arts and Sciences; the second is incorporated into the education component of the program. Congruent with professional standards and expectations, this program requires that graduates demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of language skills which include: understanding of the history and structure of English; familiarity with a range of literary genres, styles, and devices, as well as selections representing the cultural diversity of our world; the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; awareness of the many purposes for which one uses speaking, writing, reading, and listening; and an appreciation of the impact of nonverbal communication modes on our culture.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet ;University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

Mathematics Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The Mathematics Education program is designed for the preparation of mathematics teachers who can effectively design instruction, implementation, and assessment of mathematical concepts, principles, and skills that have been identified by national and state educational bodies as fundamental mathematical standards. The goals, objectives, and experiences incorporated into the program reflect the current state of professional knowledge and recommended practices deduced from professional literature and experience. The Mathematics Education program includes the philosophical, historical, and psychological foundations; a sequence of generic courses in preparation for teaching; and additional content courses. The final experiences allow for synthesis of the program's fabric and the emergence of a highly trained, knowledgeable, and proactive individual who is inspired to learn and teach mathematics.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

Middle School Education: Mathematics/Science Program

Program Overview

The Middle School Mathematics/Science Education program is designed to prepare teachers to teach middle school students in two content areas. The track is intended for undergraduate students who wish to teach middle level mathematics and science. This model of two certification areas conforms to the certification patterns recommended by the National Middle School Association. The Middle School program provides preservice teachers with an appropriate knowledge base and needed experiences in curriculum, instruction, and evaluation of ten- to fourteen-year-old students. The program is particularly aimed at helping provide qualified entry-level teachers for area middle/junior high schools. Those who take the Mathematics/Science track will be prepared to teach mathematics/science in the middle grades. Studying many of the college-level mathematics courses will not only strengthen these future teachers understanding and ability to do mathematics but will also improve their knowledge of science. Much of what these future teachers study in college-level science courses will also broaden their knowledge of concepts and applications of mathematics.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.

Physics Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The National Science Education Standards and the Florida Science Curriculum Framework and Sunshine State Standards promote the importance of an inquiry orientation in science teaching. The Physics Education program supports less "coverage" of material and increased depth of understanding, appropriate use of instructional technology, and use of strategies to promote meaningful learning by all students. The science education programs emphasize a sound background in the instructional processes that help future teachers to justify and modify what they do in the classroom. In accordance with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommendations, they give teachers of each content area a general science background, as well as a specialized content emphasis.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria. You must submit passing scores on all four parts of the FTCE General Knowledge exam for admission into the College of Education and Human Services.

Notes

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs. 

Social Studies Education (6-12) Program

Program Overview

The Secondary Social Science Education program is designed to prepare teachers of social studies, history, economics, government, sociology, and/or psychology in grades 6 - 12. It is designed to build upon a two-year program completed in liberal arts containing beginning-level coursework in the social sciences and history.

It includes:

1. The completion of a set of program prerequisites;
2. A professional core of courses that provide the social, philosophical, historical and philosophical foundations of social science education;
3. A sequence of generic courses in preparation for teaching; and
4. Additional content courses.

The culminating experience in the program is participation in a series of apprentice-like teaching experiences: two pre-internships and a semester-long internship, which allow for a synthesis of the program's coursework and the emergence of a highly trained secondary social science teacher who can effectively disseminate knowledge and skills in stimulating ways and encourage competent and responsible citizen participation. The goals, objectives, and experiences incorporated into the program reflect the current state of professional knowledge in the field at the state and national level.

Admission to the Program

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) must meet University admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria. Students who have not satisfactorily completed 60 semester hours of college credit but meet University admissions standards are admitted as Lower Division students (freshmen or sophomores). Students who have completed 60 semester hours or more of college credit and meet COEHS admissions criteria are admitted directly into the COEHS as Upper Division students (juniors or seniors). Listed below are the criteria for admission into the College of Education and Human Services at the upper division:

• Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours of credit from UNF or other regionally accredited institution(s). An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) from one of Florida's public community/state colleges or SUS schools satisfies General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better in all college level course work.
• Passing scores (no exemptions) on all four parts of the Florida General Knowledge (GK) Test. Transferring students, students changing majors, or students who have not presented passing scores on all four parts of the GK exam will not be permitted to enroll in any upper level education courses until they have been admitted into COEHS Teacher Preparation Programs.