Early Childhood Development and Education (BS) – Child Life Track

The B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Child Life track at UCF prepares you for a rewarding career helping children and families navigate stressful, traumatic and medical experiences — often in pediatric hospitals and healthcare settings. You’ll build a strong foundation in child development and family systems while gaining specialized preparation for a career as a Child Life Specialist. Through coursework and hands-on learning, you’ll develop the skills to support children and families as they cope with illness, hospitalization and medical procedures using education, play and emotional support.

In this program, you’ll take courses that help you build the real‑world skills needed to succeed in the Child Life field. You’ll learn how to use therapeutic and medical play to support children, understand how families cope during challenging times, and develop strategies to help kids manage stress and emotions. Coursework also introduces you to medical terminology, professional ethics, and how to work as part of a healthcare team.

Students also gain experience using emerging technologies, including virtual simulations and digital assessment platforms. Plus, you’ll explore AI‑supported learning tools that reflect how today’s healthcare and education environments are evolving.

Located in Central Florida, UCF connects you with pediatric healthcare systems, nonprofits and community agencies that strengthen hands‑on learning through field experiences and a required nine‑credit‑hour practicum. With coursework aligned to Association of Child Life Professionals content areas, you graduate academically prepared to pursue Child Life certification following required clinical training.