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  • Academic support from expert faculty
  • Mobile-friendly lessons
  • Official transcript upon completion
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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.

course catalog

Education Courses

Featured Courses

Education
Child Growth and Development

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.

Learn More >
To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554
Education
Infant and Toddler Care

This course focuses on how to create a safe, healthy learning environment that helps infants and toddlers increase their physical, intellectual, and social qualities.

Learn More >
To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554
Education
Child, Family, and Community

This course introduces early childhood education students to the current research on interactions between families, schools, and communities.

Learn More >
To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

All Courses

Administration of an Early Childhood Education Center

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Textbook:Management of Child Development Centers

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Art, Music, and Movement

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning Preschool Through Fourth Grade

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554
“The traditional colleges I attended couldn’t compete with the affordability of Penn Foster. And, at Penn Foster, I could study on my own, at my own pace, and with the complete support of instructors.”
-Erin S., Penn Foster Graduate

Child, Family, and Community

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Textbook:Child, Family, and Community

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Child Growth and Development

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Cultural Diversity in the Early Childhood Program

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbooks: 50 Strategies for Communicating and Working with Family; Getting It Right For Young Children

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education

Textbook: Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum in Action

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Developing Math and Science Skills in Young Children

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Textbook: Teaching Stem in the Early Years

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Family Child Care

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development

Textbook: Family Child Care Curriculum: Teaching Through Quality Care

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Guidance in Early Childhood Education

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: Guidance of Young Children

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: Healthy Young Children

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Infant and Toddler Care

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development

Textbook: Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Language and Literacy Development in Young Children

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Textbook: Early Literacy in Preschool and Kindergarten

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Play in the Lives of Young Children

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: An Integrated Play-Based Curriculum

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Working with Children with Special Needs

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development

Textbook: Very Young Children with Special Needs

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Assessment in Early Childhood Education

3 credits

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 Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Textbook: Observing the Development of the Young Child

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Working with Preschoolers

3 credits

This course shows how the learning environment can facilitate the teaching of preschool children. The use of learning centers is emphasized.

Course Requirements

3 credits

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Requires Proctored Exam

Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development

Textbook: Creating Environments for Learning

Course syllabus (PDF)

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.

To enroll, call 1-800-238-9554

Your course includes:

  • All textbooks and study materials
  • Mobile-friendly, on-the-go learning experience
  • Academic support from instructors with real-world experience
  • Unlimited student support via email, phone, chat and text
  • 24/7 access to Penn Foster's robust online student community
  • Career planning resources, tools and support
  • Your official transcript upon completion

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.

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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.

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