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...
UF Innovation Academy hosts Catalyst Innovation Challenge to Optimize Early Childhood Development
Recently, the University of Florida Innovation Academy (IA) hosted its annual Catalyst Innovation Challenge, a summer showcase event highlighting creative solutions to common challenges designed by freshman students taking the Creativity-in-Action IA course. 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...
Legal challenges in early childhood take center stage in transdisciplinary conference
In early childhood, should our work focus on equality or equity, or both? How can we ensure that all young children and their families receive the supports they need to thrive? And what are the critical legal components to providing proactive support for children,...