whats the highest degree or certification to become a preschool teacher?
i grew up helping taking care of kids , and i play school sometimes with my younger siblings and enjoy being there kinder teacher so now that i'm older in want to become one . #children #working-with-children
5 answers
Margaret’s Answer
You can get a certificate in Early Childhood Education which takes about a year to earn or a two year Associates Degree. Both credentials will prepare you for entry-level positions in Early Childhood Education as a teacher or assistant teacher.
thank u !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Garrett
Angela’s Answer
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Highest Degree or Certification to Become a Preschool Teacher
To become a preschool teacher, the educational requirements can vary significantly based on the state and specific institution. However, there are general guidelines that can help you understand the highest degree or certification needed for this profession.
1. Educational Requirements:
Associate’s Degree: Many states require preschool teachers to have at least an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field. This typically involves two years of coursework focusing on child development, teaching strategies, and curriculum planning.
Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education is often preferred and sometimes required by employers, especially for positions in public schools or accredited programs. This four-year degree provides more comprehensive training in child development, educational psychology, and advanced teaching methods.
Master’s Degree: While not always necessary, obtaining a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field can enhance career opportunities and may be required for certain leadership roles within educational settings.
2. Certification Requirements:
State Licensure: Most states require preschool teachers to obtain a state-issued license or certification. The requirements for licensure typically include completing an accredited ECE program, passing background checks, and sometimes passing exams that assess knowledge of early childhood education principles.
National Credentials: In addition to state licensure, some preschool teachers pursue national credentials such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. This credential requires documented experience working with children and completion of specific training hours.
3. Continuing Education:
Many states also mandate ongoing professional development for preschool teachers to maintain their licenses. This may involve attending workshops, taking additional courses, or participating in professional organizations.
In summary, while an Associate’s degree may suffice for some positions as a preschool teacher, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree is often recommended for better job prospects and higher earning potential. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and considering national credentials can further enhance your qualifications in this field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This organization sets standards for early childhood education programs and provides resources regarding educational requirements and best practices in teaching young children.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary information, and educational requirements for various professions including preschool teachers across different states.
3. Council for Professional Recognition
This organization administers the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing process and provides guidelines on the qualifications needed to work effectively with young children.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Valerie,
Education requirements to become a preschool teacher vary. Public schools require at least a bachelor's degree; while an associate's degree or high school diploma is acceptable for some child care centers. In many cases, preschool teachers start out as assistant teachers. With this experience, they may advance to being teachers and eventually to lead teacher status. A preschool teacher needs to be proficient in helping children learn how to cooperate, providing fun learning activities suitable for preschoolers, keeping children safe, working as a team member with other teachers and interacting with parents.
Preschool teachers need to be eager participants in children's growth and development, as well as helping students understand how to use their natural curiosity to help make the appropriate developmental leaps in their skills and abilities. They are expected to create an atmosphere where risks can be taken and discoveries made while children remain safe. Most preschool teachers are required to earn certification in first aid procedures and infant and child CPR. They also need to undergo police background checks, as well as be fingerprinted.
Coursework in a preschool teacher degree program may include:
- Child development
- Classroom management and behavior
- Curriculum methods
- Instructional design
- Instructional resources and technology
- Parent-child relations
In: http://study.com/articles/Preschool_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Preschool_Teacher.html
Ranking The Top 10 Online Schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Kendall College: Program Overview: Kendall College’s online Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education Degree program consists of 180 credit hours of study. Five specialization areas are offered for this online degree program, and they comprise: Childhood Nutrition, English as a Second Language, Infants and Toddlers, Small Business Management, and Special Education.
Grand Canyon University: Program Overview: Grand Canyon University offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education Degree program that entails 120 credit hours of study. Course components of this online degree program include: Child Psychology, Early Literacy Development, and Educating the Exceptional Learner.
Post University: Program Overview: This university offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Child Studies Degree program that consists of 120 credit hours of study in courses such as: Educational Psychology, Emergent Literacy, and Creative Activities.
The complete list with the top 10 schools, you can see in: http://www.early-childhood-education-degrees.com/top-online-early-childhood-education-degree-programs/
All the Best!!!
I agree with Daniela above, and I encourage you to think long-term as you invest in your education so you don't limit yourself. e.g. if you just get an Associate's degree, you'll get a job teaching, but it will be harder to advance into leadership of a center or school because others will have Bachelor's degrees.
Also look for companies that help pay for your education with tuition reimbursement - they want highly qualified staff, and they're willing to help you foot the bill while working for them. Just read the fine print - most require you to work for them for a certain period after reimbursement, otherwise you then owe them the money back.
Michele Wilkens, Ed.D
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Garrett
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
It really depends what type of teacher you would like to be. However the main pathways are generally the same and the options vary but go along the same lines.
- You need to graduate high school.
- You need to attend a college/university and earn a four- year B.A. degree. You will want to get a bachelors degree in the subject-matter that you want to teach, this makes certification in your state and subject-area feasible. You may opt to minor or double-major in education. You do not need to have a bachelors in education to be a teacher. I would suggest getting a bachelors degree in the subject you would like to teach. (for example: I am an English teacher, I majored in English literature and now have a bachelors in English).
- Once you graduate college with your bachelors degree you have a few options:
A. Go directly to Graduate school and obtain your masters in the area of teaching/education you want to teach (ie. Masters of Education, Masters of Teaching, Masters of Secondary English, Masters of Teaching in Secondary English, Masters of Teaching in Elementary, Masters of Special Education etc.). You may also opt to get a masters degree in the subject-are you wish to teach. However, while in graduate school you must obtain a masters degree in some variation of teaching/education. So you will have either a MAT (Masters of Teaching) or MED (Masters of Education). Most graduate schools have one of the two programs and offer a variation depending on the subject (ie. Masters of Teaching in Secondary English or Masters of Education in Secondary English). This option is ussually a fifth year pathway that allows you to student teach at a school while earning your masters degree.
B. You can apply to an Alternative Route to Certification (if you state has options/offers this). This would look like a program like TeachForAmerica, AmeriCorps TutorCorps, or other Teacher Residency Programs (ie. KIPP Teaching Fellows, MATCH Schools, or charter schools that offer Teacher Resident positions. Look up the options in your state or the options available if state is not a boundary for you. During the year or two-year commitment of these programs you would typically also have classes or being earning a masters degree. This option is for teachers who want to start working directly after they graduate college. Some programs lead to Certification in your state and others lead to BOTH Certification and a Masters Degree. The ARC programs lead to 90 day certifications, which then lead to Initial Educator Certification OR Resident Teacher Certification (ALL are pathways to FULL certification in your state).
- Regardless of which route you take you will need to take the certification exams in your state. MOST states, including CT (which is the information I know because it is my state) require the PRAXIS exams. You will need to research certification requirements within your own state for more information. However, while you are earning your masters (or after you have earned your bachelors) you will want to also prepare for and take the PRAXIS Core (which can be waived if your SAT/ACT scores are high enough) and the PRAXIS II which cannot be waived and MUST be passed for certification.
- Once you have obtained your Bachelors degree AND Masters degree AND Passed your state certification exams AND done some form of students teaching (whether that is during college or in a residency program) you can then:
- Go to your state board of education website and complete your certification information.
- Then, you can APPLY as a LEAD teacher in the area you are certified.
MOST pathways take 4-6 years. You will be able to start your first year of teaching as a lead teacher generally in year 5 or 6.
This professional recommends the following next steps:
- Earn a bachelors degree in the subject area you would like to teach in AND or a bachelors in Education.
- Decide if you want to do a teaching Residency program like Teach For America or if you would like to go straight to graduate school to earn your masters degree.
- Apply to Graduate schools and Teaching Residency programs. During your senior year of college.
- Begin your first year of grad school or teaching residency.
- Earn your Masters degree in Education or Teaching, in the area you would like to teach in.