been there

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been there
By Chris

Kelli: Been there, done that! I started back to school (I had NO college at all) when my son was in grammar school & my daughter started kindergarten. Three weeks into my first class, I found out I was pregnant (surprise!)
I continued with my part time classes, being teased that I wouldn't fit into the desk by the end of the class (I didn't )Because the baby came with a package of "special needs" I took time off from my school and went back as he entered first grade. I graduated in January of 2001...13 years after I started!
Yes, it's a lot of work. I would sit at the kitchen table doing my homework

with my kids doing their's. We helped each other. My daughter helped me get through all my algebra classes, my son & hubby helped with my music class & all the kids helped me learn my way around the computer & the internet. I don't know if all that studying & hard work had any influence, but all three of my kids are honor roll students. When I got that BA in ECE, it was a victory for all of us!

Since you already have college credit, your road to that BA in ECE may not be all that long. Check it out with some of the colleges you're interested in attending. Bring along complete transcripts when you talk to the advisors. They'll be able to give you an idea of what's transferable and how many classes you'll need to take. I was able to "double dip", get credit in two areas for one class taken (a literature class in non-western mythology went for a lit credit AND a non-western credit). My college worked on the plan of 2 hours study/homework time for each credit hour (ie a 3 credit hour class will involve 6hrs study time). This did not always hold true, but it's somehing to keep in mind. I am an over achiever & put a lot of hours in to get good grades as I was going on an academic scholarship that required keeping my GPA up.

Student teaching probably will be the hardest (time & work wise), but you may be able to get credit for your hours as a substitute teacher, if not there, then perhaps in some of your practicums! Be sure to check it out!

When i complained about how long it was taking...10+ years...by hubby said: and where will you be 10 years from now if you don't go back? 10 years older, saying "I should have".

At least give it a try, Kelli. Go for it!
GOODLUCK!