About Us

History

The University of South Florida Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) was proposed and approved by the Florida Board of Governors in 1984. In 1987, the College of Education appointed a board of directors to participate in the planning for the new center. Groundbreaking for the new building took place in February 1989. The ERCCD officially opened its doors on May 7, 1990, with Dr. Janet Allyn serving as the director. In 1996, the name of the program was changed from the Educational Research Center for Child Development to the USF Preschool for Creative Learning in order to have a more child and parent friendly name. With the name change, however, the center maintained its focus of high-quality care, research, training, and commitment to diversity. Early childhood education majors, graduate students, and professors from various colleges continue to utilize the USF PCL for teaching and research.