Program Outline
Your certificate program consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step toward understanding Child Development.
Here's how it works
Your first course will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have the study materials and software needed for your coursework.
You will need a High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.
Computer Specifications
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer running Windows® XP or later, Microsoft® Office 2010, and high-speed Internet in order to complete your program with Penn Foster.
ECE111 Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education (45 hours)
A survey course which discusses the similarities and differences in young children, the components of quality early childhood education programs, and the role of the professional early childhood educator.
Study Guide: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education
Textbook: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE220 Child Growth and Development (45 hours)
This course presents a variety of theoretical viewpoints to provide students with a well-balanced view of a child’s developmental process. Current studies and research provide students with an understanding of the principal topics of child psychology as well as recent trends in socially relevant problem areas.
Study Guide: Child Growth and Development
Textbook: Childhood Development
ECE130 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children (45 hours)
Information on the importance of health safety and nutrition as crucial factors in the development of young children. Provides strategies for the monitoring of standards in the care environment and development of good habits in young children.
Study Guide: Health Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child
Textbook: Health Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child
ECE240 Assessment in Early Childhood Education
This course will describe the purpose of observation in the early childhood classroom, and the process of collecting and recording observations in the Childhood Development Checklist. The course reviews the specific sections of the checklist, and provides practical suggestions for fostering children’s development in each learning area. The final part of the course discusses how teachers can create children’s learning portfolios, and how they can share their observations with children’s family members.
Study Guide: Assessment in Early Childhood Education
Textbook: Observing Development of the Young Child
Note to Students: This certificate of completion fulfills the requirement for 160 hours of formal education required to obtain your CDA credential. In addition, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be 18 years of age or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, have 480 hours of experience working with children in the last five years. |
Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
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