Preschool is one of the only environments in school where the focus is on play and creativity, rather than intense curricular standards.
Preschool teachers use playtime and story time to:
Preschool teachers need to love children, be patient, and have a nurturing personality.
Their main goal is to participate in a child's growth and development, learn to understand and help their students, and to use a child's natural curiosity to develop a learning plan that is developmentally appropriate.
Preschool teachers need to create an atmosphere where risks can be taken and discoveries can be made all while maintaining a child safe environment.
Employment of preschool teachers has been expected to grow 17 percent between 2012 to 2022. This expected growth is due in part to the continued emphasis on the importance of early childhood education. In addition, there has been an increasing population of children between ages 3 to 5.
The education and training requirements for preschool teachers will vary from state to state.
At the minimum, most preschool teachers will be required to earn certification in first aid and child CPR as well as be able to pass a background check.
Some states require certification through (Child Development Association), if the prospective teacher has not finished their college degree.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) requires prospective preschool teachers to complete specific coursework related to early childhood education as well as relevant experience in the field. Teachers who do not have a college degree or teachers who have a degree in a field other than early childhood education can consider going this route.
Head Start preschool programs and public schools require their preschool teachers to have a minimum of an Associate's Degree. Head Start programs must have 50% of their teachers hold at minimum a Bachelor's Degree.
As with public schools, preschool teachers should hold at least a Bachelor's Degree.
Requirements for private preschools may vary. Often times, an Associate's Degree or merely experience will suffice.
When completing a degree in Early Childhood Education, the prospective preschool teacher will take classes related to:
Most education programs will require teaching experiences where the students will work directly in a classroom.
Prospective preschool teachers will be required to take and pass all classes related to their preschool certification and Associate's Degree.
Many Preschool Teachers earn a degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development.
The tables and charts below break down the education level obtained as averaged across the U.S.
