Get started for $20* with monthly auto pay or save up to $540 when you pay in full! Offer Ends 7/15/2025
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Child Care and Education

If you want to work with children, take the first step toward a new career with one of Penn Foster's online child care and education training programs. These affordable programs are all offered online and can be taken at your own pace. From accredited degree programs to career diplomas and certificates, you can find the child care or education training option that is right for you.

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

AVG SALARY**

$54,290/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS**

64,090

Popular Child Care and Education Programs

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Early Childhood Education
Associate Degree

Learn how to develop a curriculum and work with infants and pre-schoolers in our online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree.

4 months per semester As low as $75/mo
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Child Psychology
Certificate

Learn how psychology impacts the growth and development of children in our online Child Psychology Certificate.

6 months As low as $50/mo
child care professional teaching with students.
Child Care Professional
Career Diploma

Prepare for a job as a child care professional while gaining the 120 hours of education required for your CDA.

4 months As low as $69/mo

All Child Care and Education Programs

6 Programs

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CDA Credential Prep

Undergrad. Cert. 8 months As low as $59/mo
child care professional teaching with students.

Child Care Professional

Career Diploma 4 months As low as $69/mo
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Child Psychology

Certificate 6 months As low as $50/mo
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Early Childhood Education

Associate Degree 4 months per semester As low as $75/mo
student at computer studying.

Comprehensive English: Reading and Writing Skills

Certificate 4 months Total cost $419
student studying on laptop.

General Studies

Undergrad. Cert. 4 months As low as $59/mo

Our Proven Child Care and Education Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Self-paced
  • Online
  • Start anytime

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Dynamic online practice
  • Video and audio content

Supportive

  • Career Services
  • Live support
  • Academic Guidance

Connected

  • Credentialed Instructor Assistance
  • Student Services
  • Learning Resource Center
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Your Goals, Your Timeline

Find study tips, career advice, and motivation - on your time, at your pace.

See Our Learner Resources

Which is right for you?

Need help deciding which level of program to pursue?

Career Certificate

  1. Typically takes less than 6 months to complete
  2. Focus on job-specific skills needed for success in certain occupations
  3. For people looking to update their skills or pursue an interest in a field

Career Diploma

  1. Time to complete can vary depending on the program
  2. Provides the skills to prepare an individual to move to a new career path
  3. Help you prepare for industry recognized certifications

Undergraduate Certificate

  1. Typically takes less than a year to complete
  2. College credits may be applied to a future Penn Foster degree program
  3. Learn occupation specific skills for a new field

Associate Degree

  1. Multi-semester, long form college program
  2. Includes general education courses plus occupation specific curriculum
  3. Helps prepare people for occupations that require a degree

Interested in Individual Courses?

Jump-start your college education, earn credits toward a degree, or learn new skill.

Learn More
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Looking for training in early childhood education for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
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Learn More

Student Success

Penn Foster’s child care and education programs help students prepare for the next step in a career working with children. These programs have helped recent graduates learn at their own pace, find new jobs, and qualify for promotions. Learn more about their experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Kalie C.

CDA Credential Prep Certificate Graduate, 2023

“Penn Foster was perfect for me to pursue my career in Early Childhood Education while still working full time. I received my certificate in only a year and a half. As a kid I never thought I was smart enough for college, but this course helped me prove myself.”

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Early Childhood Education Graduate Thrives in Field

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4 Roles and Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Education Teacher

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What is an Early Childhood Educator? (Your Career Guide)

Need more info or ready to enroll?

We're here to help.  Call 1-800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

Request Info Enroll Now

Disclaimer:

*Start for $20 offer applies to select programs.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Education and Childcare Administrators." Accessed December 2, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.