EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
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“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” – Maria Montessori
EDUCATION PROGRAMS Early childhood educators have a significant impact on cognitive and literacy development in children from birth through age four. The Santa Fe College Early Childhood Education (ECE) program will prepare you to make a difference in the life of a child. If you are already working with young children, the program provides an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and learn new skills. If you are looking to start your career in early childhood education, the program will allow you to acquire practical experience as well as a basic pre-professional education.
DEGREES DEFINED GRADUATION-CAP Associate in Science Degree The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is designed to get you ready for a career, but in some cases, it may transfer to a bachelor’s program. A.S. programs are a good balance of general education coursework and hands-on training with the end goal of preparing you to enter the workforce with a competitive skill set. The A.S. degree typically takes two years to complete.
GRADUATION-CAP Bachelor’s Degree A bachelor’s degree is the highest degree you can achieve in undergraduate education. Santa Fe College offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees in certain program areas. For most, a bachelor’s degree at SF is the next step after obtaining an A.A. or an A.S. degree. It allows students to continue to build skills and advance in a career field. A bachelor’s degree typically requires two additional years of classes after completing an A.A. or A.S. degree.
PROGRAMS OFFERED Associate Degree: • Early Childhood Education Credential: • Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) • Director’s Credential Bachelor’s Degree: • Early Childhood Education (Birth-Age 4 non-teacher certification program)
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GRADUATION-CAP Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) The Associate in Science degree program in Early Childhood Education prepares you to teach young children from birth through age four and qualifies you for staff or director credentials through the Florida Department of Children and Families. You will complete coursework related to early childhood education and gain hands-on field experience. With this degree, you can transfer into SF’s Bachelor of Science program in Early Childhood Education.
PROGRAM LENGTH: Two years
FLORIDA CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL (FCCPC) In a childcare setting, at least one caregiver must have the Florida Child Care Professional Credential for every 20 children. Earning your FCCPC can make you a highly valued applicant for potential employers. In the FCCPC program, you will work one-on-one with a faculty member and an advisor to complete the credentialing requirements established by the Council for Professional Recognition in early childhood in as little as two semesters. Credits earned can apply toward the A.S. in Early Childhood Education.
PROGRAM LENGTH: Two semesters
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GRADUATION-CAP Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) The Bachelor of Science degree program in Early Childhood Education (birth - age 4) prepares you for careers such as a lead teacher or director of an early learning center, early childhood education specialist, or a Head Start teacher or supervisor. In this program, you will learn from skilled professionals and gain two semesters of practical experience through a hands-on internship. Applicants must have completed an A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education or an A.A. degree with at least a 2.5 GPA. Additional admission requirements apply.
BENEFITS OF EARNING YOUR B.S. in Early Childhood Education • Flexible course options let you tailor classes to your personal schedule. • An affordable bachelor’s degree can prepare you for graduate school.
PROGRAM LENGTH: Four years
DIRECTOR CREDENTIAL Education Programs at Santa Fe College offers an approved course to prepare you to earn your director credential through the Department of Children and Families.
PROGRAM LENGTH: One semester
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DIRECTORY INFORMATION sfcollege.edu/education Advisement....................352-395-5322 LOCATION
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Blount Hall 530 W. University Ave., DB-103 Gainesville, FL 32601
Stephanie Norman Phone: 352-395-5322 stephanie.norman@sfcollege.edu
OFFICE HOURS
CHAIR, EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ritsa Mallous, Ph.D. Phone: 352-395-5326 ritsa.mallous@sfcollege.edu
BUILDING HOURS Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
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EA/EO and ACCREDITATION COMMITMENT TO EQUAL ACCESS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to SF’s Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 113, Gainesville, Florida 32606, 352-395-5950, equity.officer@sfcollege.edu. ACCREDITATION STATEMENT For college and program accreditation information, visit sfcollege.edu/about/accreditation.
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Paid for by funds granted under the federal Carl D. Perkins Act. Produced by SF Marketing & Communications 12-2025
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