The primary role of a preschool educator is to care for and teach children before they enter kindergarten. These teachers also help children develop social skills and language acquisition. Education requirements to enter this field range from a high school diploma to a college degree in early childhood education or a related field, and licensure or certification may be required.
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Degrees
Training and education requirements vary depending upon the type of school. In daycare centers, teachers are generally required to have certification in early childhood education and at least a high school diploma. Teachers working in Head Start programs must have completed at least an associate’s program. Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.), Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees are available. The A.A.T. program is designed for individuals who wish to transfer their credits to a four-year bachelor’s program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although associate’s degrees may suffice for a position within a Head Start program, at least 50 percent of teachers in the U.S. must hold bachelor’s degrees. Common topics covered in bachelor’s degrees will include behavior management and assessment, educational psychology, math teaching methods and reading instruction methods. Education programs also require teaching experiences, where students directly work within a classroom setting.
Aspiring teachers seeking employment in public schools are generally required to have at least a bachelor’s in early childhood education or a related field and must be licensed to teach early childhood education, which encompasses ages three or four through third grade. Requirements vary by state, and most states require the teacher to complete continuing credits to maintain the license. Standard bachelor’s degrees educate students about strategies for teaching young children, children’s development and how to document and observe children’s progress.
Certifications
In some states, teachers must earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is provided by the Council for Professional Recognition. To obtain this credential, students will complete coursework, pass a written exam, demonstrate experience in the field and be observed while working with children. The CDA is valid for three years, after which teachers must renew the credential. Possible coursework may include topics such as child growth and development, curriculum planning in early childhood education and infant and toddler development, social-emotional development in young children or planning and administering child care programs.
The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation offers a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) designation that is recognized by some states. The CCP can be obtained by teachers who have degrees in a field other than early childhood education or by those who do not have college degrees. Some of the requirements needed to earn the CCP include that the applicant must have a high school diploma, be at least 18 years old, take courses in early childhood education, have experience in the field and pass an exam. Renewal is required every two years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, once a teacher obtains employment at a childcare center or within a school setting, he or she can expect to earn an average annual salary of $28,570 at this level. Becoming a preschool educator involves choosing the right education, gaining experience and/or teaching credentials and possibly earning an early childhood education degree.
