“I just love the new skills
I have gained from my program.
I was offered jobs before
I even finished my schooling
from Penn Foster.
Penn Foster has opened
up so many doors for me
and the chance to get
a better-paying job.”
Child Day Care
program outline
A. Bogle, VA
Penn Foster Career School Graduate
State education requirements vary for early childhood education professionals.
Penn Foster recommends you check with the licensing agency in your state
for specific requirements Also, a background check may be required
for employment in child day care centers and schools.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in
the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered
in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions..
PENN FOSTER
925 Oak Street, Scranton, PA 18515-0700
www.PennFoster.edu
© 2013 Penn Foster, Inc.
PU003801-1303
The Penn Foster
CHILD DAY CARE
Program
Your independent study program includes seven
Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step
through the techniques and skills you’ll employ
in your new career in Child Day Care.
Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon
as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction
Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you
will always have training materials to work with.
Graduates of this program also earn 7 credits toward
an Associate Degree in Early Childhood
Education at Penn Foster College.
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®based computer running Windows® XP or later or an Apple® Mac®
computer running OS X® or later, high-speed Internet,
and an email account to complete your program with Penn Foster.
Here is an overview of what you’ll learn and the order
in which you’ll receive your learning materials:
Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types
of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website;
determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study
schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
Contemporary Child Day Care
The increasing demand for child care; benefits of quality child care;
types of child care, including in-home care, family day care, and
center-based care; meeting licensing requirements — providing a
safe and healthy environment; managing staff.
Instruction Set 2
Child Development, Part 1
An overview broken down into birth-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18
months, 18-36 months, 3-5 years; details on social, emotional,
physical, and intellectual development.
Child Development, Part 2
The stages of growth and tips on developing a learning environment
for children in kindergarten, ages 6-8 and ages 9-12.
Practical Exercise: Reflection and Observation
Supplement: Student Observation Guide
Learning Aids: Ages and Stages Chart
Instruction Set 3
How to Start Your Child Care Facility: Basic Steps
Assessing community needs; licensing requirements — federal, state,
county; making a business plan; insurance; planning space (indoor
and outdoor).
Licensing, Accreditation, Certification
General licensing procedures and agencies; areas of regulation;
director’s responsibilities; steps in the licensing process; accreditation
of child-care programs and facilities; certification of child caregivers.
Practical Exercise: Local Standards and Regulations
Instruction Set 4
The Facility
Government regulations — zoning and safety; analyzing
space requirements for in-home and center-based care.
Staff
Roles and qualifications of personnel; hiring personnel;
physical exam and fingerprinting; work schedule and
responsibilities; vacations, holidays, and sick leave; staff
meetings; trial employment period; termination procedures.
Computers in Day Care
Introducing children to the world of computers; educational
and fun activities that can be done using the computer.
Practical Exercise: Parents, Finances, and School-Age Children
Practical Exercise: Facilities and Staff
Supplement: Master Forms for Day Care Facility
Instruction Set 5
Textbook: Caring for School-Age Children
Program Planning
The purpose of program planning; curriculum planning
and content planning.
Instruction Set 7
Planning and Implementing for the Environment
Preparing environments that promote program goals;
grouping children; selecting and purchasing equipment.
Guidance
The relationship between guidance and discipline; applying
your knowledge of child behavior and development; styles
of adult-child interaction.
Diversity
Inclusive education; principles of inclusion; building tolerance and
acceptance; children with special needs; assessing and adapting
the environment to create one that promotes respect.
Practical Exercise: Program, Enviroment, and Guidance
Supplement: Activities for Infants and Toddlers
Instruction Set 6
Caring for School-Age Children
Caring for school-age children; outdoor and indoor games; visual arts;
music and movement; drama; science in after-school care; math.
Working with Parents
Parents’ legal rights; communication with parents, including orientation;
visits to facility, and oral and written communications; parent
participation; parent education.
Financing and Budget
Estimating costs, including general and specific cost factors; estimating
income; balancing the budget; other financial responsibilities.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child
Promoting good health; health appraisals; health assessment tools;
conditions affecting children’s health; creating a safe environment;
safety management; management of accidents and injuries.
Graded Project: Professional Resource File
Practical Exercise: Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Textbook: Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child
Learning Aids: Poison Antidote Slide Guide
Children’s First Aid Slide Guide
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
The Penn Foster
Career School
Grading System
Your examinations and projects
will be graded on the following scale:
Lesson Grade
(Percentage)
90-100
80-89
70-79
65-69
Below 65
Letter
Equivalent
A
B
C
D
F
Rating
Excellent
Good
Average
Passing
Failing
An overall program average of 65%, or above,
is required to graduate and earn your Career Diploma.