Moms and Continuing Education

Are you a stay-at-home mom? If so, you may want to consider the many continuing education options. While your children are 
at school or napping, you can take an online class or two. You can even work toward a college degree from home.

Many people don't realize how many options there are when it comes to continuing education. In addition to the traditional 
classroom settings, most colleges offer a variety of online classes that are perfect for stay-at-home moms. 

Online classes are one of the great things about continuing education. These classes usually consist of lectures posted 
once or twice a week, along with assignments and tests. You can read the lectures as your schedule permits during the week. 
Then you can submit your assignments to your instructor online as you complete them. The tests are usually timed and many 
are created so they're open book.

If you aren't sure what you'd like to major in, you can look through the college catalogs online. Most four-year colleges 
and community colleges offer a lot of continuing education options. If you still have questions, you can call the college 
for additional information. They'll be able to help you decide how you can achieve your educational goals.

If money is stopping you from pursuing continuing education, ask the college about scholarships and other tuition help. 
Most colleges have people on staff who can work with you to find scholarship money or loans that can help you pay for the 
education you want. Many organizations have scholarships designed to encourage women to attend college. Check around. You 
may be surprised at what's available.

To avoiding becoming overwhelmed or discouraged as you pursue your continuing education goals, set a realistic schedule for 
yourself. You may decide that one class a semester is all you can handle. That's fine. It may take a few extra years, but 
you can get through college this way. The important thing is that you stick with it.

Aren't sure you want to go for a degree? Colleges also offer other continuing education options. Perhaps you're interested 
in creative writing. You could take an online course that would help you perfect your craft.

Other continuing education options exist in addition to colleges. For instance, some community centers are now offering 
online classes you can take. If you want to get out of the house, some of these centers even offer child care while you 
take the classes.

Technical schools also offer online classes. These schools have many continuing education options. Take a look at their 
course catalogs. You may be surprised what you can learn while still staying at home with your children.

If you don't have your high school diploma, you can study for the GED at home as well. Many companies and websites offer 
preparation programs that can really help you with the test. You'll get to practice for all five sections of the 
test--reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. 

Continuing education offers you many opportunities. These days, most traditional and online classes and programs are 
designed to make learning both interesting and fun.