How to Become a Certified Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers may find it rewarding to work with young children, as it is exciting to see how proud they are when they learn something new. Preschool teachers get to be more hands on with their ways of teaching than any other age group, but first you must learn the skills and the training to help young children. They vary slightly across the country but you will need an education, experience and a desire to help young children learn.

Instructions

1. Research what the education requirements are for your state. Some states require that teachers have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is recognized as a credential for teachers and directors in 46 states and the District of Columbia. In order to be eligible, you must have already completed 480 hours of child care working experience and 120 education or training hours and have your high school diploma. Other states may not require a CDA but require a Bachelor's Degree in Education, as well as experience working with children.

2. Get your education. Either attend the one Child Development Training Program to earn your CDA or attend college to earn your Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). If you are considering teaching at a Montessori school, you will need to complete an extra year of training, pertaining to the Montessori curriculum. During an ECE curriculum, you will study a specialized curriculum, designed for teaching young children. You will learn how to teach early reading skills by teaching the alphabet and reading them beloved children's classics. You will learn how to build their math skills by teaching them to count their numbers and how to measure and sort using manipulatives. You will learn the resources and the skills needed to help a special needs child and how to document your concerns and communicate them to her parents.

3. Apply for licensure. You must be certified in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to teach in public schools; private schools are not as strict. You will apply and receive your license in your preferred subject area through your State Board of Education; for preschool, it is Early Childhood Education, which allows you to teach preschool through third grade.

Tips & Warnings

• Preschool teachers must be enthusiastic, alert and creative to interact well with the children.

Resources

• Preschool Teachers and Child-Care Workers
• Teachers---Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary