Pre-K Teacher Certification
Pre-kindergarten education, generally geared to children ages 3 to 5, is becoming more common in communities across the country. Children who receive pre-K education often have more academic success, including increased literacy and better math skills than those who don't, according to a report from the Pew Center. The requirements for teaching pre-K classes vary by state, but generally fall into one of several categories.
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Certificate and Degree
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Depending on state requirements, pre-K teachers in school systems are generally required to hold either a certificate or a bachelor's degree in early childhood or elementary education. In general, studying early childhood education requires taking courses in child development, early learning, classroom management, curriculum development, educational assessment and health, safety and nutrition. Most programs also include an observational or student teaching component to prepare teachers for working in a classroom. After earning a certificate or degree, to work in a school, you generally have to undergo the same licensing procedure for higher grades, including a background check and, in some states, fingerprinting.
Child Development Associate
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Some states or childcare centers require pre-K teachers to hold a Child Development Associate credential. The CDA is the only national pre-K teacher credential and is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. To qualify for this credential, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED; complete 120 hours of coursework in education; and have at least 480 hours of professional experience working with children ages 3 to 5. If you qualify, to earn the credential you must pass a multiple choice examination, a formal observation and prepare a professional portfolio of your work and collect parent questionnaires detailing your ability to work with children. CDA credentials need to be renewed every five years, and you have to complete continuing education requirements to renew.
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Montessori
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Pre-K teachers can earn certification in Montessori education as well, from the Association Montessori Internationale. Earning a Montessori certification requires at least a bachelor's degree and one year of additional study in Montessori philosophy and methods. Holding a Montessori certification allows you to teach in Montessori schools and bolsters your credentials if you teach pre-K in local school districts or at preschools.
Daycare Providers
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If you work as a daycare provider in your home, in general you do not have to hold any type of pre-K teaching certification. However, most states require that daycare providers have some sort of training in education and caring for children, and require providers to complete continuing education credits to keep their licenses in good standing. Holding a CDA, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or other certification can make your daycare center more appealing to parents, and in some cases, increase your earning potential.
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References
- Council for Professional Recognition: How to Earn a CDA Preschool
- Education-Portal: Pre-K Teacher Certification and Certificate Program Information
- Association Montessori International/USA: Training FAQ
- PreK Now; The Case for Pre-K in Education Reform: A Summary of Program Evaluation Findings; Albert Wat; April 2010
- Daycare: State Licensing Requirements
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
