Early Childhood Education

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Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Offered on USF’s Tampa Campus

USF’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is a State-approved teacher preparation program leading to Florida PreK–3 certification with ESOL and Reading endorsements. This full-time, face-to-face cohort program blends coursework with extensive hands-on internships, preparing future teachers to create meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. Students learn in a supportive community of peers and faculty dedicated to shaping innovative early childhood educators.

What you will learn

Students gain a strong foundation in early childhood development, curriculum design, and inquiry-based teaching practices. You’ll learn to create engaging, inclusive, and play-based learning environments, integrate creativity and reflection into instruction, and apply research-based strategies that support literacy, language development, and early academic skills. Throughout the program, teacher candidates connect theory to practice through guided fieldwork and observation.

a young girl smiles big into camera

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers such as:

  • PreK–3 classroom teacher (public or private schools)
  • Preschool or early learning center director
  • Early childhood curriculum specialist
  • Child development or family engagement specialist
  • Positions in early childhood organizations, childcare centers, or community programs
a woman stands behind a table with two small children working on shapes with them on a table

What to expect

This 60-credit hour cohort program includes four progressive internship experiences in PreK–3 classrooms, each supported by university supervisors and mentor teachers. Students engage in clinical, inquiry-based learning with strong school partnerships and gain additional experience at USF’s on-campus Preschool for Creative Learning (PCL), a nationally recognized lab school. Through immersive fieldwork and a tight-knit learning community, candidates graduate fully prepared to lead developmentally appropriate, creative, and inquiry-driven early childhood classrooms.

2 professionals sit in a circle with a young preschool class reading them a book

I specifically chose Early Childhood Education because I love seeing how the students grow in the classroom and how much of an impact teaching them can have on their development! I love being able to see their faces light up when they are engaged and enjoying the learning they are doing in the classroom!

Brianna Davis
Early Childhood Education Major