CF Early Childhood Education Program Among High Rankings

In a recent release of the Florida Department of Education annual program performance rating, the College of Central Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education attained the highest score since it graduated its first class in 2013, earning a 3.5 out of 4.0. CF’s ranking is based upon students’ completion and retention rates while in the program and graduates’ job placement rate and teacher evaluations during their first year of professional teaching.

When compared to other institutions of higher education offering the same degree program, CF’s B.S. in Early Childhood Education program scored in the top tier of institutions. CF’s program tied another program for fifth place in the state, earning a higher ranking than the same degree programs at Florida State University, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Florida International University and Miami Dade College.

“With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our society is experiencing an unprecedented level of participation in young children’s educational processes and also experiencing the reward that comes with being an integral part of that process,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, associate vice president, Career and Professional Programs at CF. “My hope is that we see an uptick in individuals who are ready to take that passion and turn it into a career in early childhood education. The validation from Florida Department of Education that CF’s teacher preparation program is among the highest quality in the state provides those individuals with the best option that is local, affordable and now highly ranked in the state.”

CF’s Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and Associate in Arts pathway to Early Childhood Education directly articulate into the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. The program leads to Florida Teacher Certification in Pre-K Primary (age 3 to grade 3) with endorsements in Pre-K Disability, Reading (K-12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12). Historically, 100% of graduates from this program also pass the Subject Area Exam for K-6 grade, allowing them to also teach fourth through sixth grades.