March 2025 marks a 10 year milestone of the UF Lastinger Center for Learning delivering professional learning programs that enhance early childhood education.
In 2015, the Lastinger Center partnered with the Division of Early Learning, Early Learning Coalitions, Provider Associations, and private funders to design and implement engaging professional learning for early childhood educators and other child development professionals.
The pilot program, named Early Learning Florida, launched with two courses that served 204 learners. Within the next year, the program added four courses and engaged 1,600 early learning professionals in Florida. Today, the Lastinger Center offers more than 50 early learning courses that have reached more than 41,000 early childhood educators nationwide.
Lastinger Center early learning programming includes a combination of over 1,000 hours of online content in both English and Spanish, Community of Practice Facilitator Trainings and Coaching Certifications. The center has worked with every Early Learning Coalition in Florida and supported initiatives in Massachusetts, Louisiana, South Carolina and California.
“As we celebrate 10 years of empowering early learning professionals, we reflect on the incredible dedication of educators who shape the futures of young children. Reaching this anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, passion and a shared commitment to excellence in early education,” said Director of Early Learning and Literacy Tyran Butler, Ph.D. “We are deeply grateful for every teacher, leader and partner who has joined us on this journey. Together, we are building brighter beginnings for children everywhere.”
The Lastinger Center is continuously developing opportunities to support educators and leaders, including micro-credentials and enhanced CDA pathways. Meeting the needs of the early childhood education workforce ensures educators are well prepared to meet the needs of children and families.
“Early Learning Florida was created to provide convenient, online access to evidence-based, engaging professional learning in both English and Spanish with instructor and coaching support. I’m humbled and honored to serve in the role, along with many other Lastinger Center Associates and partners, of empowering thousands of early learning professionals to champion children’s opportunities to learn and grow,” said Assistant Director, Literacy, Pam Chalfant, Ph.D.
The future of Lastinger Center Early Learning is focused on collaboration, innovation, and excellence for further improving educator and student outcomes.
Visit lastinger.center.ufl.edu to learn more about the Lastinger Center’s early learning programs.