Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
- Department(s)
- Teacher Education, Schl of
Lead the Way in Shaping Child-Focused Support Services
The Early Childhood Development and Education Master of Science program at ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ is your opportunity to lead the way in transforming learning outcomes for young children during their most critical years of development. Designed for working professionals and caregivers who have an undergraduate degree in a related area, this program combines flexibility with specialized preparation to equip you with the expertise to support children from birth through Pre-K — strengthening families, classrooms and communities along the way.
Complete advanced coursework at a pace that fits your schedule as you dive into child development theory, evidence-based instructional practices, assessment strategies and play-based interventions. You’ll study how children grow cognitively, socially and emotionally as you learn to design developmentally appropriate curricula promoting school readiness and long-term success. Along with gaining a strong foundation in early childhood development, you’ll customize your degree by choosing a specialization area — such as child life, curriculum and programming, human services, language development and disorders, or even legal studies with a court mediation focus — that best aligns with your professional aspirations.
ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½’s Master of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education is also the only child life master’s program in the State of Florida with courses pre-approved by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), offering a unique pathway to developing skills for supporting children and families through healthcare experiences in hospitals, pediatric care settings and child-focused support services. No matter your chosen specialization area, you’ll gain the experience and skills needed to become a leader, advocate and practitioner serving children and families in settings ranging from education and healthcare to human services and nonprofit leadership.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Spring
- November 1
- Fall
- July 1
- Fall
- January 15
Application deadlines subject to change, see the for up-to-date deadlines.
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Course Overview
Play Development, Intervention, and Assessment
Explore the role of play in child development. Youβll learn to observe, assess and design play-based interventions to support young childrenβs cognitive and social-emotional growth.
Programs and Trends in Early Childhood Education
Dive into the world of early childhood education philosophies and practices based on current research, issues and trends. This course provides an overview of curricular content, instructional materials and activities appropriate for children ages 3 to 8.
Guiding and Facilitating Social Competence
Gain a strong understanding of the techniques necessary for fostering behavioral and emotional growth in young children. Youβll learn foundational skills for teaching children how to regulate their emotions and develop positive relationships with others.
The Early Childhood Development and Education masterβs program combines flexibility, specialization and distinctive coursework to prepare graduates for meaningful, high-impact careers working with children and families.β
Skills You'll Learn
- Build advanced knowledge of cognitive, social-emotional, language and behavioral development across early childhood years β and learn to interpret developmental patterns.
- Design developmentally appropriate learning environments for children between birth and Pre-K.
- Develop strong analytical skills in assessment and data interpretation to help you evaluate learning and developmental outcomes.
- Gain targeted skills such as behavior assessment and intervention, therapeutic communication, advocacy, and curriculum design and programming through your chosen specialization.
- Support children and families through healthcare experiences, including coping strategies, play-based interventions and therapeutic communication.
Career Opportunities
- Child Advocate
- Child Life Specialist
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Childcare Center Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Consultant
- Early Childhood Program Evaluator
- Early Intervention Specialist