Rachel Eubanks

Project Manager II
Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies

rcarnahan@coe.ufl.edu

Biography 

Rachel joined the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies in January 2022 as a Research Coordinator III, supporting projects related to the BEST in CLASS intervention. Since October 2023, she has served as a Project Manager II.

Alongside Dr. Herman Knopf, Rachel provides support for sponsored projects related to early childhood policy, data systems, and program implementation. Her work focuses on supporting the development of data-informed tools and resources, coordinating website updates, and ensuring accessibility and usability of project materials. She works closely with the Association of Early Learning Coalitions and Early Learning Coalitions throughout the state and collaborates with research, technical, and communications teams to support implementation and dissemination across projects.

Her work has also included serving as project manager for the statewide implementation of the Anita Zucker Center Practice-Based Coaching (AZC-PBC) initiative, coordinating implementation efforts and expanding access to evidence-based coaching supports for Early Learning Coalitions and Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Programs across Florida.

This work reflects a full-circle connection to her previous role at the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, where she served as Director of Programs. In this role, she led strategic operations and oversight of programs supporting School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten services, managed provider contracts, supervised staff, and led professional development initiatives using the practice-based coaching model to strengthen teaching practices, improve teacher-child interactions, and promote positive outcomes for children. She also collaborated with community partners to inform program design and support improvements in early childhood systems. She is passionate about advancing high-quality early care and education to support positive outcomes for children and families.

Rachel holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Tampa.