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: 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,...
Community celebrates opening of new CHILD Center
On June 7, 2018, members of the Anita Zucker Center, the UF College of Education and the greater Gainesville community gathered together to celebrate the opening of the CHILD Center in Southwest Gainesville that will be home to an innovative, community-based initiative to support children in their most transformative years.