Beyond the Center: Building Collaborative Relationships to Bolster Success
After just one year of working under Dr. Patricia Snyder, UF distinguished professor of Special Education and Early Childhood Studies, and now director of the Anita Zucker Center, Cathleen Schaefer was inspired to transform her career trajectory. In 2007, Cathleen was...
Beyond the Center: Championing Outcomes for Lifelong Success
With a robust background rooted in psychology, Joy Polignano joined the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies eager to put her passion into action and conduct research aimed to transform the lives of young children. Holding a bachelor’s in...
Beyond the Center: Guiding the Next Generation
After an eye-opening summer working at a children’s summer camp, Nicole Mera realized she belonged in the classroom supporting the growth and development of young children. Seeking a program that could cultivate her passions and equip her for success as an early...
Student Spotlight: Sara Germansky
Meet Sara Germansky, a second-year Anita Zucker Center doctoral student affiliate. Committed to creating a more empowered and effective early childhood workforce, Sara works alongside advisors Drs. Patricia Snyder and Brian Reichow. Alexis Brown: Let’s begin the...
Mentorship makes the difference for Center’s Project Prepare program
In Krista Steele’s pre-K practicum, a picture board spoke a thousand words. One young student with cerebral palsy had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal to use a picture board to communicate his wants and needs during lunch. Steele, who graduated in May...
Student Spotlight: Michelle Crosby
Meet Michelle Crosby. Michelle is a second-year doctoral student enrolled in the Preparing Leaders in Early Childhood Studies and Implementation Science (PLECSIS) leadership training grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education...
Student Spotlight: Yaqin Li
Meet Yaqin Li, a third-year doctoral student and avid early childhood policy advocate. With a rich background in educational administration, Yaqin has worked extensively with Dr. Snyder, Center director, on the Center’s Embedded Instruction project. Yaqin dropped by...
UF grant supports study of link between early childhood maltreatment and disease
Are children who have experienced abuse or neglect in their early years responding differently to critical vaccines that protect against deadly viruses like influenza? A new study led by Dr. Melissa Bright, assistant research scientist at the Anita Zucker Center for...