UF Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies

Congratulations to undergraduate student research affiliate, Tierra Hinson-Mackey! Thank you for your meaningful contributions to the Center, we’re so grateful to have been part of your journey at the University of Florida.

Herman Knopf, Ph.D., a Senior Research Scientist at the Center, recently joined business leaders, parents, policy experts and community stakeholders to seek solutions to one of our region's most pressing issues: childcare access, affordability and quality.

During the Community Conversation on Childcare, an event in partnership with the Children's Trust of Alachua County, the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County and The Business and Leadership Institute for Early Learning, attendees explored the connection between childcare and economic growth.

Knopf shared, “quality early care and education isn’t babysitting. It’s brain architecture. It’s the biological foundation for lifelong learning, behavior and health.”

Childcare access is key part of economic prosperity Finding solutions for our local families and employers.

We had a great time meeting each and every one of you at the Fall UF Center for Undergraduate Research Expo! If you didn't get the chance to speak with us, feel free to visit our website for more information: https://ufearlychildhood.org

After 15 years of visionary leadership, our founding Director and Co-Director are retiring from their formal roles at UF. Their dedication helped shape the Center into a beacon of excellence in early childhood studies, guided by the 3R's of Early Learning: Relationships, Repetition, and Routines.

Their legacy lives on in the lives of children, families, and communities impacted by the Center's work. Though stepping back from leadership, they will remain connected as emeritus faculty, continuing to inspire and support our mission.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Here's to the next chapter, and to a future where every child thrives.

Did you know that "supporting children's successes and addressing their challenges in kindergarten can have lasting influences on later development and learning? Learn more about "Kindergarten Readiness" and how not only families but also schools and classrooms can set up children to enter Kindergarten successfully. Visit Letter K for free and reliable resources!

Letter K - Kindergarten Readiness - Anita Zucker Center Letter K - Kindergarten Readiness - Anita Zucker Center

A new report on Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) uses machine learning to investigate the academic growth of the 93,584 children enrolled during the 2022-2023 academic year. Available through The Sunshine Portal, this study examines how individual, household and classroom factors all influence young children's academic skills and progress over time. Powered by UF's HiPerGator, the results provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers and program designers working to improve early learning experiences and outcomes.

The authors on this project include Herman T. Knopf, Ph.D., Phillip Sherlock, Ph.D., Maxwell Mansolf, Ph.D., Robert Chapman, Jiawei Li and Dévonja Daley

The UF community recently celebrated the dedication of Anita Zucker Hall at the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory Lake Alice location. Named after College of Education alumna Anita G. Zucker (BAE ’72), the hall stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and commitment to ensuring future generations have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Anita Zucker Hall Dedication - Anita Zucker Center The University of Florida recently dedicated Anita Zucker Hall at the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory to honor Anita G. Zucker, a distinguished alumna and lifelong advocate for young children. The event celebrated her extraordinary philanthropy and unwavering commitment to advancing the Center's mi...

Summer is a great time for ice cream ... and also "Kindergarten Readiness"! While families prepare their 4-5-year-olds to transition to Kindergarten soon, schools and classrooms can use the summer weeks to prepare to support these children and families in various practical ways. Visit Letter K for refreshing resources this summer!

Letter K - Kindergarten Readiness - Anita Zucker Center Letter K - Kindergarten Readiness - Anita Zucker Center

Congratulations to Center affiliate faculty member Tara Mathien, Ed.D., on being chosen as a GTE Fellow! This opportunity to expand expertise in global learning will benefit both the Center and the college's early childhood education programs.

Tara Mathien, Ed.D, is one of six educators selected to be a 2025-26 GTE Fellow by The Longview Foundation. This year-long virtual professional development opportunity for teacher preparation program faculty allows participants to work with experts in global learning.

As part of this program, Mathien will revise and teach our Internship in Early Childhood to include global learning outcomes, reflecting our college's commitment to solve critical educational and human problems in a global community.