Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College is an adult learner, distance-education facility, which offers undergraduate degrees. To undertake the Early Childhood Education Associate's degree, students require a Grade 12 (or equivalency) certificate and a computer with Internet access and Microsoft Office 2007. In addition, all students must write reading and math Basic Skills Assessments to confirm their readiness for college-level instruction.

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The program is broken into four semesters. Students may take up to one year to complete a semester. Proctored examinations follow completion of each semester's course materials. Students may choose the proctor and location of examination. The proctor must meet Penn Foster College's qualification criteria. Students receive semester materials at the start of each semester.

Semester One focuses on Orientation and Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Health, Safety, and Nutrition, and one General Education Elective (Art or Music Appreciation).

Semester Two concentrates on Child Growth and Development, Curriculum, one Early Childhood Education Elective (Language and Literacy Development, Developing Math and Science Skills or Art, Music, and Movement), English Composition, and Computer Applications.

Semester Three studies are Guidance in Early Childhood Education, Preschoolers, Infant and Toddler Care, one Science Elective (Introduction to Biology or Earth Science), Interpersonal Communication, and Special Needs Children.

Semester Four cumulates with 300 hours in an approved early childhood center, Play and Young Children, Mathematical Applications, The Child, Family and Community, and one Early Childhood Education Elective (Cultural Diversity or Administration of a center).

Early Childhood Education licensing regulations vary from state to state. Penn Foster College recommends students contact their state licensing body to verify license requirements.

Penn Foster College will give credit for previous college courses with a final grade of "C" or higher if it deems the courses meet its standards. Penn Foster College permits transfer of up to one-half of required credits.