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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**

$57,610/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS**

60,010

Popular Child Care and Education Programs

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
  • Student Community

Help Me Decide

Resources to help you choose the right child care program for you.

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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.

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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.
Little Sprouts, Magical Beginnings & Learning Care logos.
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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.”

Need more info or ready to enroll?

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