EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT TRACK Early Childhood Development majors take a variety of courses related to young children and their learning, development, and family environment. Students take a series of core and specialization courses to prepare them to work with children, parents, and families in a variety of settings. This degree culminates in a semester-long practicum.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the University General Education requirements or its equivalent, i.e. an AA degree from an approved Florida College System or State University System institution.
- Have a minimum 2.75 overall GPA, with provisional acceptance for one semester if GPA is 2.5 (GPA must be 2.75 by the second semester).
- Complete Child Development Common Program Prerequisite courses with a minimum letter grade of "C" (2.0) or better.
- Meet the State Writing and Math Requirement.
- Meet Foreign Language Admission Requirement.
Degree Requirements
- Students must seek advising through the Early Childhood Development and Education staff in the Education Complex, Suite 122 or by e-mail (ece@ucf.edu) prior to registering for classes.
- The courses designated in 1. (General Education) and 2. (Prerequisites) should be completed prior to admission to the major and upper division education courses.
- Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or better in each required Early Childhood Development and Education course. However, a minimum overall 2.75 GPA in all courses within the major is required.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Basic Level
15 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- A grade of "C" (2.0) or better is required.
- Complete the following:
- EEC2732 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children (3)
- MAE3310 - Elementary Mathematics for Teaching I (3)
- EDF2005 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession (3)
- EDF2130 - Child and Adolescent Development for Educators (3)
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- MUE2211 - Early Childhood Music and Movement (3)
- ARE2000 - Early Childhood Art and Creativity (3)
- For students interested in a career as a Child Life Specialist, select EDF 2130.
Core Requirements: Advanced Level
0 Total Credits
- All methods/specialization/foundations courses must be completed with a letter grade of "C" (2.0) or better before registering for Practicum: Early Childhood Development. However, a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required in the professional, specialization and overall for admission to Practicum: Early Childhood Development. A grade of "C" (2.0) or better is required.
Semester I
15 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- EEC3700 - Social and Emotional Development of Young Children (3)
- EEC4303 - Planning Creative Activities in Early Childhood Education (3)
- EEC3008 - Early Childhood Children's Literature (3)
- EEC4661 - Early Childhood Education Theory and Practice: (3)
- EEX3450 - Young Children With Special Needs (3)
Semester II
15 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- EEC4604 - Classroom Management and Guidance of Young Children (3)
- RED3310 - Early Reading, Writing and Language Arts (3)
- TSL4240 - Issues in Second Language Acquisition (3)
- EEC4268 - Curriculum Activities in Early Childhood (3)
- EEX4751 - Parent Involvement in Education (3)
Semester III
0 Total Credits
Semester IV
15 - 18 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- EEC3214 - Child Development (3)
- EEC4528 - Infant/Toddler Care and Education (3)
- EEC4940 - Practicum: Early Childhood Development (3 - 6)
- Note: Students must consult with their advisor regarding approval for other elective options. A grade of "C" (2.0) or better is required.
- Complete at least 2 of the following:
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students (3)
- EEX4763 - Technology for Classroom Teachers of Students with Special Needs (3)
- EEX3241 - Methods for Academic Skills for Exceptional Students (3)
- RED4519 - Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Strategies (3)
- EEX4601 - Introduction to Behavior Management (3)
- EDF4467 - Learning Theory and Assessment (3)
- RED4942 - Practicum for Assessment and Instruction of Reading (3)
- EEC4744 - Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings (3)
- STA2023 - Statistical Methods I (3)
- DEP2004 - Human Development Across the Lifespan (3)
- EDF2085 - Introduction to Diversity for Educators (3)
- PSY2012H - Honors General Psychology (3)
- HSC3537 - Medical Terminology (3)
- SOW4650 - Child Abuse: Treatment and Prevention (3)
- EDF2720 - Children in Schools: Legal, Ethical and Safety Concerns (3)
- TSL4080 - Theory and Practice of Teaching ESOL Students in Schools (3)
- RED3012 - Basic Foundations of Reading (3)
- EEC4211 - Science and Math Learning for Young Children (3)
- SCE4304 - Teaching Science and Technology to Young Children (3)
- MAE4300 - Math Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood (3)
- MHS2090 - Introduction to Human Services (3)
- MHS2330 - Career Planning I (3)
- MHS2441 - Couples, Families and Intimate Relationships (3)
- MHS3052 - Helping Skills for Human Service Providers (3)
- SPA3002 - Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (3)
- LIN3713 - Language Science (3)
- LIN3716 - Language Development (3)
- SPA4400 - Language Disorders Across the Life Span (3)
- PLA3014 - Law and the Legal System (3)
- PLA4024 - Poverty Law and Community Advocacy (3)
- PLA4807 - Adoption Law (3)
- PLA4806 - Domestic Relations Law (3)
- PLA4843 - Immigration Law and Policy (3)
- PLA4244 - Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution (3)
- PAD4104 - Administrative Theory (3)
- PAD4144 - Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- PAD4147 - Resource Development in the Nonprofit Sector (3)
- PAD4153 - Planning and Improvement for Public Organizations (3)
- PAD4204 - Fiscal Management (3)
- PAD4325 - Program Evaluation for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- SOW3740 - Social Work Practice with Loss & Life's Transitions (3)
- MHS3426 - Diversity Issues in Human Services (3)
Semester V
15 - 18 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- EEC3613 - Observation and Assessment of Young Children (3)
- EEC4402 - Cultural and Family Systems (3)
- EEC4940 - Practicum: Early Childhood Development (3 - 6)
6 Total Credits
- Complete at least 2 of the following:
- EEX4601 - Introduction to Behavior Management (3)
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students (3)
- EEX4763 - Technology for Classroom Teachers of Students with Special Needs (3)
- EEX3241 - Methods for Academic Skills for Exceptional Students (3)
- RED4519 - Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Strategies (3)
- EDF4467 - Learning Theory and Assessment (3)
- RED4942 - Practicum for Assessment and Instruction of Reading (3)
- EEC4744 - Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings (3)
- SOW3740 - Social Work Practice with Loss & Life's Transitions (3)
- STA2023H - Honors Statistical Methods I (3)
- DEP2004 - Human Development Across the Lifespan (3)
- EDF2085 - Introduction to Diversity for Educators (3)
- PSY2012H - Honors General Psychology (3)
- HSC3537 - Medical Terminology (3)
- SOW4650 - Child Abuse: Treatment and Prevention (3)
- EDF2720 - Children in Schools: Legal, Ethical and Safety Concerns (3)
- TSL4080 - Theory and Practice of Teaching ESOL Students in Schools (3)
- RED3012 - Basic Foundations of Reading (3)
- EEC4211 - Science and Math Learning for Young Children (3)
- SCE4304 - Teaching Science and Technology to Young Children (3)
- MAE4300 - Math Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood (3)
- MHS2090 - Introduction to Human Services (3)
- MHS2330 - Career Planning I (3)
- MHS2441 - Couples, Families and Intimate Relationships (3)
- MHS3052 - Helping Skills for Human Service Providers (3)
- MHS3426 - Diversity Issues in Human Services (3)
- SPA3002 - Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (3)
- LIN3713 - Language Science (3)
- LIN3716 - Language Development (3)
- SPA4400 - Language Disorders Across the Life Span (3)
- SPA4400 - Language Disorders Across the Life Span (3)
- PLA3014 - Law and the Legal System (3)
- PLA4024 - Poverty Law and Community Advocacy (3)
- PLA4807 - Adoption Law (3)
- PLA4806 - Domestic Relations Law (3)
- PLA4813 - Juvenile Law and Procedure (3)
- PLA4244 - Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution (3)
- PAD4104 - Administrative Theory (3)
- PAD4144 - Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- PAD4147 - Resource Development in the Nonprofit Sector (3)
- PAD4148 - Volunteer Management (3)
- PAD4153 - Planning and Improvement for Public Organizations (3)
- PAD4204 - Fiscal Management (3)
- PAD4325 - Program Evaluation for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- PLA4843 - Immigration Law and Policy (3)
Grand Total Credits: 75 - 81
Restricted Electives
Capstone Requirements
Electives
Students must chose a minimum of 4 electives (12 hours) of electives plus two Practicum courses (6 credits total) are required for graduation. Track 2 encourages students to chose a career pathway (see below).
Overview: ECDE Career Pathways
- RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) /ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Assessment and Data Analysis
- Child Life
- Curriculum and Programming
- Exceptional Education Specialization
- Human Services
- Language Development and Disorders
- Legal Studies
- Non-Profit Management
Specialization Details:
Applied Behavior Analysis (Registered Behavior Technician)*
Required Course Work:
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Course (Approved by ABA-I) (Under UCF Curriculum Review)*
- ABA Exam
- ABA Practicum
Recommended Electives (3 electives)
- EEX4601 - Introduction to Behavior Management
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students
- EEX 4763 - Technology for Classroom Teachers of Students with Special Needs
- EEX 3241 - Methods for Academic Skills for Exceptional Students
- Must be in ABA Clinic with ABA Licensed Supervisor for at least 40 hours.
Assessment and Data Analysis
Required: Electives (Choose four courses)
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students
- RED4519 - Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Strategies
- EDF4467 - Learning Theory and Assessment
- RED4942 - Practicum for Assessment and Instruction of Reading
- Early Learning Coalitions (Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard...) working with (1) CLASS training; (2) Assessment and Evaluation of Children or Programs.
- Conductive Education Center of Orlando
Child Life
- Child Life Course Taught by a CCLS (1 course):
- EEC 4744: Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings
Child Development (Min. 2 courses covering birth-age 18):
- EEC 3214: Child Development
- EDP 2130: Child & Adolescent Development
- EEC 3700: Social/Emotional Development
Loss/Bereavement (1 course) OR Death/Dying Course: (Undergraduate only)
- SOW 3740: Social Work Practice with Loss & Life Transitions
Research Course (1 course):
- HAS 4702: Health Services Research
- STA 2023: Statistical Methods
Additional Courses in Related Content Areas (3 courses):
- DEP 2004: Developmental Psychology
- EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity
- PSY 2012: General Psychology
- BSC 2085C: Human Anatomy and Physiology
- HSC 3537: Medical Terminology
- SOW 4650: Child Abuse: Treatment and Prevention
- EDF 2720: Children in Schools: Legal, Ethical and Safety Concerns
Hospital for Child Life Volunteer Hours (Separate Application for Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters):
Practicum: Hospital-Based ECDE Track 2 Practicum Sites (Separate Applications are Needed):
- Nemours Hospital for Children (Orlando)*
- Lakeland Regional Health (Lakeland)
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (Ft. Myers)**
Curriculum and Programming
Choose 4 course:
- TSL 4080 - Theory and Practice of Teaching ESOL Students in Schools
- RED 3012 - Basic Foundations of Reading
- RED 4519 - Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Strategies
- TSL 4240 - Issues in Second Language Acquisition
- EEC 4211 - Science and Math Learning for Young Children
Exceptional Education Specialization
Choose 4 course:
- EEX4601 - Introduction to Behavior Management
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students
- EEX 4763 - Technology for Classroom Teachers of Students with Special Needs
- EEX 3241 - Methods for Academic Skills for Exceptional Students
- EEX3221 - Assessment of Exceptional Students
- EDF4467 - Learning Theory and Assessment
Human Services Minor*
The Health Services Minor would be for students interested in becoming a licensed Mental Health Specialist (Clinical Mental Health Counseling). They would need to earn an undergraduate degree that prepares you for an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Link to Minor:
https://www.ucf.edu/catalog/undergraduate/#/programs/rJe7I1-_s_
Required Courses (15 credits)*
- MHS2090 - Introduction to Human Services (3)
- MHS2330 - Career Planning I (3)
- MHS2441 - Couples, Families and Intimate Relationships (3)
- MHS3052 - Helping Skills for Human Service Providers (3)
- MHS3426 - Diversity Issues in Human Services (3)
* 3 credits longer than ECDE major.
Language Development and Disorders
The Language Development and Disorders undergraduate certificate would be for students interested in becoming a licensed Speech Therapist. They would need to earn an undergraduate degree that prepares you for an Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/masters/)
Link to Undergraduate Certificate:
https://www.ucf.edu/catalog/undergraduate/#/programs/SyOkH1WdjO
Required Course Work (12 Credits)
- SPA3002 - Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
- LIN3713 - Language Science (3)
- LIN3716 - Language Development (3)
- SPA4400 - Language Disorders Across the Life Span (3)
Required Courses:
- PLA 3014 Law and Legal System
- PLA 4024 Poverty Law and Community Advocacy
Choose 2 courses (6 credits)
- PLA 4807 Adoption Law
- PLA 4806 Domestic Relations Law
- PLA 4813 Juvenile Law and Procedure
- PLA 4843 Immigration Law and Policy
- PLA 4244 Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Practicum: In collaboration with the Legal Studies department, students will be placed in Guardian ad Litium or other community partners that support young children and their families legally.
Non-Profit Management*
Undergraduate (BS) ECDE Track 2: Non-Profit Management Focus (15 credits plus Internship Focus).*
Minor Link
https://www.ucf.edu/catalog/undergraduate/#/programs/S1GSkbuj_
Prerequisite:
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- ECO2013 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
- ECO2023 - Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Required:
- PAD4104 - Administrative Theory (3)
- PAD4144 - Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Choose one:
- PAD4147 - Resource Development in the Nonprofit Sector (3)
- PAD4148 - Volunteer Management (3)
- PAD4153 - Planning and Improvement for Public Organizations (3)
- PAD4204 - Fiscal Management (3)
- PAD4325 - Program Evaluation for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
* 3 credits longer than ECDE major.
Foreign Language Requirements
Admissions
- State University System foreign language admission requirement: Two years in high school or one year of college instruction in a single foreign language. (This requirement applies to those students admitted to the University without the required two units of foreign language in high school.)
Graduation
Additional Requirements
Required Minors
Departmental Exit Requirements
- Achieve a minimum overall 2.75 GPA in all courses within the major.
- Achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA in the education core coursework.
- Achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA in the specialization coursework.
- Achieve a minimum overall 2.75 GPA
- You must upload key assignments using the Via by Watermark platform. Key assignments are assessed by faculty to provide evidence of candidate proficiency in all Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
- All teacher education candidates, Lifelong Learning majors and Early Childhood Development & Education majors (all ECDE tracks) are required to complete all Via requirements for graduation. See https://ccie.ucf.edu/explore-via/.
University Minimum Exit Requirements
- A 2.0 UCF GPA
- 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
- 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
- A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
- Complete the General Education Program, the State Writing and Math Requirement, and nine hours of Summer credit.
Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 120
Additional Information
Honors In Major
Related Programs
Certificates
Related Minors
Advising Notes
- A minimum of 6 hours with an international or diversity focus is required. The foreign language admission requirement may be used to meet this requirement.
- Students interested in a Child Life Specialist Certification should seek advising from the ECDE program faculty for electives selection.
- Students interested in Child Life Specialist Certification: Take EEC 4744 - Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings as an elective course
Transfer Notes
- Courses taken at Florida College System institutions may substitute for select courses in prerequisites with the permission of the department.
Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses
Program Academic Learning Compacts
- Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: https://oeas.ucf.edu/about/academiclearningcompacts/
Plan of Study
- Note: This recommended sequence may vary at selected regional campus locations. Consult with your Education advisor and review your degree audit for more recent information.
Freshman Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)
- EDF 2005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession Credit Hours: 3
- ENC 1101 - Composition I Credit Hours: 3
- MGF 1106 - Finite Mathematics Credit Hours: 3
- PSY 2012 - General Psychology Credit Hours: 3
Freshman Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)
- ENC 1102 - Composition II Credit Hours: 3
- MAE 3310 - Elementary Mathematics for Teaching I Credit Hours: 3
- PSC 1121 - Physical Science Credit Hours: 3
- EDF 2130 Child and Adolescent Development Credit Hours: 3
Select One: (3 Credit Hours)
- MUL 2010 - Enjoyment of Music Credit Hours: 3
- PHI 2010 - Introduction to Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
- THE 2000 - Theatre Survey Credit Hours: 3
Freshman Year - Summer (Select one - 3 Credit Hours)
- ARE 2000 - Early Childhood Art and Creativity Credit Hours: 3
- MUE 2211 - Early Childhood Music and Movement Credit Hours: 3
Sophomore Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)
- SPC 1608 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication Credit Hours: 3
- BSC 1005 - Biological Principles Credit Hours: 3
- Humanities Foundation, elective Credit Hours: 3
- Restricted Elective with Advisor approval Credit Hours: 3
- STA 2014 - Principles of Statistics Credit Hours: 3
Sophomore Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)
- POS 2041 - American National Government Credit Hours: 3
- Humanities Foundation, Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Restricted Elective with Advisor approval Credit Hours: 3
- EDF 2130 - Child and Adolescent Development for Educators Credit Hours: 3
- SOW 3104 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)
- EEC 3008 - Early Childhood Children's Literature Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 3700 - Social and Emotional Development of Young Children Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4303 - Planning Creative Activities in Early Childhood Education Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4661 - Early Childhood Education Theory and Practice: Credit Hours: 3
- EEX 3450 - Young Children With Special Needs Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)
- EEC 4604 - Classroom Management and Guidance of Young Children Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4268 - Curriculum Activities in Early Childhood Credit Hours: 3
- EEX 4751 - Parent Involvement Credit Hours: 3
- RED 3310 - Early Reading, Writing and Language Arts Credit Hours: 3
- TSL 4240 - Issues in Second Language Acquisition Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours)
Senior Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)
- EEC 3214 - Child Development Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4528 - Infant Toddler Care and Education Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4940 - Practicum: Early Childhood Development Credit Hours: 3
- Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Elective Credit Hours: 3
Senior Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)
- EEC 3613 - Observation and Assessment of Young Children Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4402 - Cultural and Family Systems Credit Hours: 3
- EEC 4940 - Practicum: Early Childhood Development Credit Hours: 3
- Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Elective Credit Hours: 3
