Any advice on what to do after earning Associates?

[wsledz]

Hi
I am new to these wonderful boards and am currently studying for my 4th CLEP exam. LOVE THEM! What a great way to earn credits. I really thought I would stop my education after earning my Associates in Early Childhood Education, but after finding out about CLEP and DSST, it makes me think going on for my Bachelors might not be so bad. Would anyone be so kind as to guide me to the next step? Do you know what online colleges/universities allow you to earn a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood (preschool level) through online or CLEP/DSST testing? I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks, Cindy

[cookderosa]

Hi
I am new to these wonderful boards and am currently studying for my 4th CLEP exam. LOVE THEM! What a great way to earn credits. I really thought I would stop my education after earning my Associates in Early Childhood Education, but after finding out about CLEP and DSST, it makes me think going on for my Bachelors might not be so bad. Would anyone be so kind as to guide me to the next step? Do you know what online colleges/universities allow you to earn a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood (preschool level) through online or CLEP/DSST testing? I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks, Cindy

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Good job!!! I want to encourage you to keep going and get your bachelors. My longest friend has her Associates in Early Childhood and hasn't been able to get much work beyond day care worker and teacher's aid. In our area, that is a "just" above minimum wage career, and her teacher's aid position is only a 9 month job. It renews every year- so far. She works at the daycare in the summer. She also works year round nights doing phone sales. She has told me OFTEN she needs her bachelors to earn more money or get a better position....I keep telling her how easy it is to earn credits by exam...but no luck. :confused: She said it took her 4 years to earn her Associates, she can't imagine doing any more schooling. She how much time you shaved off of your degree!?! You have half the battle down- and you are well on your way! Keep up the great work!!!!

[wsledz]

Thanks for your support! I really appreciate all the helpful information on these boards as well. I do feel it would be a good career move to go on for the Bachelors Degree, just not sure HOW to proceed. If anyone has a suggestion on where to head next, I would really appreciate that input. I received my Associates from a local community college, but that college only goes for 2 years. Where should I head next to find a place where I can earn the Bachelors online or through CLEP/DSST tests?

[cookderosa]

Thanks for your support! I really appreciate all the helpful information on these boards as well. I do feel it would be a good career move to go on for the Bachelors Degree, just not sure HOW to proceed. If anyone has a suggestion on where to head next, I would really appreciate that input. I received my Associates from a local community college, but that college only goes for 2 years. Where should I head next to find a place where I can earn the Bachelors online or through CLEP/DSST tests?

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There are 2 books that I really like. My favorite is
called Accelerated Distance Learning by Brad Voeller. That is the book that lit my fire!hilarious See if your library has it, it is a quick read and really explains the basics in an easy to understand way. The more in-depth approach is the "bible" called Bear's Guide by John Bear.

The 3 most flexible colleges for extensive testing are Thomas Edison State College, Excelsior College, and Charter Oak State College. All 3 have good websites that can give you a taste of what they offer.

When you apply to a college, they request your transcripts, and then do an evaluation of your credits earned. At that point they figure out what you have left to earn out of the 120 needed for a bachelors. While it stands to reason that if you have 60, that you would only need 60, that isn't necessarily the case. The distribution of credits is important, so you may have excess in some area-and not enough in another. But, the evaluation is the starting point. Once you know what you need, you need to plan your degree path. You can use exams and courses, as well as a number of other options. The big 3 have a variety of ways to earn credit.

Hope thats what you were looking for!!

[wsledz]

Thanks Jennifer! That is exactly what I was looking for. I have dealt with Charter Oak for something in the past, so I will call them tomorrow and get more information. Thanks so much for taking the time to write and help me.

[JoliesMom]

HI! I was just wondering how your college search is going? I am just wanting to welcome you to the board and wish you well. You may want to get your Bachelor's anyway, just because taking the test is fun. I get such a rush when I am done with one. For Early Childhood Education you may need to also consider what the state board of education requires for a teaching certificate. Good Luck!