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

early childhood educator playing with student.

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 $69/mo

child care professional with student's drawing.

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

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

early childhood educator sitting with students.

CDA Credential Prep

Undergrad. Cert. 8 months As low as $59/mo

Child Care Professional

Career Diploma 4 months As low as $69/mo

Child Psychology

Certificate 6 months As low as $50/mo

Early Childhood Education

Associate Degree 4 months per semester As low as $69/mo

Comprehensive English: Reading and Writing Skills

Certificate 4 months Total cost $399

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

Help Me Decide

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

Get Started

Which is right for you?

Need help deciding which level of program to pursue?

Career Certificate

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

Career Diploma

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

Undergraduate Certificate

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

Associate Degree

Multi-semester, long form college program
Includes general education courses plus occupation specific curriculum
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.

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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

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.”

Related News

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Teacher working with preschool aged girl playing with blocks.

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

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 October 2, 2023.

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.