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Earn college credits for education courses - including topics such as Child Growth and Development, Infant and Toddler Care, Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education, and more - with Penn Foster College.
Whether you want to get a jump-start on your college education or earn additional credits towards a degree, Penn Foster College is here to help. Study online, at your own time, and receive support when you need it from our expert faculty and staff.
Education Courses
Featured Courses
This course presents a variety of theoretical viewpoints to provide students with a well balanced view of a child’s developmental process, as well as an understanding of the principal topics of child psychology.
This course focuses on how to create a safe, healthy learning environment that helps infants and toddlers increase their physical, intellectual, and social qualities.
This course introduces early childhood education students to the current research on interactions between families, schools, and communities.
All Courses
A comprehensive view of the procedures involved in establishing and administering a child care education program. Topics include staffing, budgeting, equipment acquisition, parent involvement, and day-to-day administration.
Course Requirements3 credits
Textbook:Management of Child Development Centers
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
The role of art, music, and movement in a young child’s education. It explains how art and movement education address the physical, social/emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Students will recognize ways to develop creativity and promote self-expression among young children by enhancing the entire curriculum with experiences in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic creativity.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Textbook: Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning Preschool Through Fourth Grade
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course serves as a guide for students of early childhood education to the body of current research on interactions between families, schools, and communities.
Course Requirements3 credits
Textbook:Child, Family, and Community
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
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.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Summary of the ways in which cultural differences influence the way children act, communicate, and learn. The major focus is on the areas of language and communication, social skills, school readiness, and emergent literacy.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Textbooks: 50 Strategies for Communicating and Working with Family; Getting It Right For Young Children
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Defines and explores the fundamental components of the early childhood curriculum, including creativity, sensory experience, curiosity, exploration and discovery, growth in literacy, and concepts of mathematics, science, and social science.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education
Textbook: Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum in Action
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course emphasizes the integration of mathematics and science with the other content areas for young children from preschool though the primary grades. It follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Developmentally appropriate assessment is explained.
Course Requirements3 credits
Textbook: Teaching Stem in the Early Years
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course includes the practical consideration of issues and responsibilities in providing family child care for infants and young children. Topics include developmental domains, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum and creating a successful environment.
Course Requirements3 credits
Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development
Textbook: Family Child Care Curriculum: Teaching Through Quality Care
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
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.
Course Requirements3 credits
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Developmentally appropriate guidance strategies that help young children to become responsible, respectful, and productive members of the community. The course stresses the need to respect the unique qualities that individual children and their families bring to the early childhood setting.
Course Requirements3 credits
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course presents 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.
Course Requirements3 credits
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course focuses on how to create a safe, healthy learning environment that helps infants and toddlers increase their physical, intellectual, and social qualities.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development
Textbook: Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Provides information and strategies to help educators promote successful development in the four areas which young children will use for the rest of their lives: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This includes children with special needs and those from diverse backgrounds. Means of assessment are also discussed.
Course Requirements3 credits
Textbook: Early Literacy in Preschool and Kindergarten
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
A study of play that provides current perspectives on culture and gender differences in play through a blend of research, theory, and practical applications. Topics include brain research and information on how and why play is important for children. The course attempts to illustrate the need to understand play and children with disabilities, integrate play into classroom curricula, and be aware of special places for play.
Course Requirements3 credits
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course is designed to give the student a broad overview of special education, including research and laws that authorize and fund early education and preschool special education programs. Content also includes the design of buildings, rooms, and outdoor facilities to accommodate children with special needs, as well as the use of technology to enhance the special education environment.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development
Textbook: Very Young Children with Special Needs
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
In this course, students will learn the purpose of observation and assessment in the early childhood classroom; describe the process of collecting and recording observations; foster child development in each learning area and share their observations with the children’s family members.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Textbook: Observing the Development of the Young Child
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
This course shows how the learning environment can facilitate the teaching of preschool children. The use of learning centers is emphasized.
Course Requirements3 credits
Requires Proctored Exam
Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development
Textbook: Creating Environments for Learning
Computer Specifications: You will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Your course includes:
Will credits from Penn Foster College transfer into another college degree program?
Penn Foster College credits have been accepted for transfer into colleges across the country. Students should check with a specific college to see if they accept our credits, as credit transfer can vary depending on the school. Also, the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) has evaluated and recommended college credit for many Penn Foster College courses. No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits. For more information on transferring credits, click here.
I live in Jamaica. Can I enroll in an individual college course?
Unfortunately, individual college courses are only available for individuals living in the United States. We do offer a variety of Bachelor, Associate and Undergraduate Certificate programs for non-U.S. residents through our sister school, Penn Foster College International.
What if I need a course that isn’t listed on your site?
Call our Admissions Specialists to discuss the specific course you are looking for. We may have a course that will meet your needs. You can reach them at 800-238-9554.
Penn Foster College is committed to giving you a quality, affordable education that won't break your budget.
At Penn Foster College, we continue to develop new ways to expand and improve student satisfaction. However, if you are not satisfied or can no longer continue your studies, we offer a refund policy. If you cancel within the first 6 days of enrollment, you are eligible to receive a full refund. After 6 days, your refund will be determined based on how much of your progress you’ve made in your course.
For detailed information on Penn Foster College's refund policy, please click here.
To view a sample enrollment agreement, please click here.