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Cait
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
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What do you have to become a preschool teacher? Do you need a special license or a background check?
What do you have to become a preschool teacher? Do you need a special license or a background check? # #teacher #daycareteacher
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4 answers
Carina Beck
Instructional Designer
3
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Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Carina’s Answer
This will depend largely on the program. Early childhood education is a challenging but noble field.
If you want to teach in a childcare facility, you will need to pass a background check, complete highschool, and possibly complete a child development certificate of some type.
If you want to teach preschool in a public school setting, you will need to complete additional studies and receive a teaching certificate for early childhood education.
If you want to teach for Headstart, you will need to complete a degree in early childhood education.
I worked in the early childhood field for 15 years. I started out as a teacher's assistant and worked my way up while attending college. I worked in five states while working in the field of early childhood. Each state has it's own version of a tiered quality rating system. I have worked with child care centers to improve their rating in these types of programs. Check into your state's system and determine what is required to teach at the highest level. This will make you more marketable and provide the largest payout.
If you want to teach in a childcare facility, you will need to pass a background check, complete highschool, and possibly complete a child development certificate of some type.
If you want to teach preschool in a public school setting, you will need to complete additional studies and receive a teaching certificate for early childhood education.
If you want to teach for Headstart, you will need to complete a degree in early childhood education.
I worked in the early childhood field for 15 years. I started out as a teacher's assistant and worked my way up while attending college. I worked in five states while working in the field of early childhood. Each state has it's own version of a tiered quality rating system. I have worked with child care centers to improve their rating in these types of programs. Check into your state's system and determine what is required to teach at the highest level. This will make you more marketable and provide the largest payout.
John Faig
Educator and Technologist
22
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
If you want a job in education, you will almost certainly have to pass a background check. Almost all companies do some sort of background check. Licensing for education varies by grade level and state and will be required. If you can't pass a background check, then you should begin to explore freelance work outside of education.
Ms. Cartographer
Academic Advisor
10
Answers
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Updated
Ms.’s Answer
I think this will depend on where you'd like to work as places differ in what they'd want in an educator for preschoolers. For example, there are some Headstart programs around my area that require at least an Associate's whereas other places like some of the public schools require a Bachelor's. This will also depend on the state that you live in and what it requires specifically in terms of licensure. I'd recommend researching the guidelines for becoming a teacher in the state you'd like to teach in someday.
Terry Wickline
Wellbeing Advocate
2
Answers
Pickerington, Ohio
Updated
Terry’s Answer
You must have a high school diploma or be a high school junior or senior in an early education/child development Career and Technical Program. There are online programs as well that you can sign up for to go to classes in certain universities. Some teachers may have higher degrees such as bachelors or even masters and it may be optional but encouraged to take the CDA. Any time before you apply: Complete 120 clock hours of professional education covering the eight CDA Subject Areas. Also, within 3 years before you apply: Obtain 480 hours of experience working with young children. Also, within 6 months before you apply: Prepare a CDA Professional Portfolio according to the requirements outlined in the CDA Competency Standards book.
Some child care facilities will ask that you have a Child Development Associate/CDA degree or/certification but if you don't have the certification then you may be able to elect to work towards obtaining one. Some child care facilities will offer in their benefit package the ability to earn your child development associate and they will pay the expenses of about $425-500. You can take classes after work or on the weekend. Also, the state has scholarships as well that you can apply to.
There are people who are specialists who conduct your CDA Verification visits are they are from early childhood training agencies. You will have someone do an observation and watch how you interact with the children, see your lesson plans, how you created "enrichments"/games & toys for the children or how well you decorated the room. The are rules that need to be followed about diapering, feeding, educating, health or safety for example. You will create a professional portfolio (large binder) with resources, training transcripts/certificates, philosophy and competency statements and take an exam. You will have to schedule an exam. The CDA needs to be renewed after 3 years. The CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement and specialization. Child care facilities should do background checks on all employees prior to being hired.
Some child care facilities will ask that you have a Child Development Associate/CDA degree or/certification but if you don't have the certification then you may be able to elect to work towards obtaining one. Some child care facilities will offer in their benefit package the ability to earn your child development associate and they will pay the expenses of about $425-500. You can take classes after work or on the weekend. Also, the state has scholarships as well that you can apply to.
There are people who are specialists who conduct your CDA Verification visits are they are from early childhood training agencies. You will have someone do an observation and watch how you interact with the children, see your lesson plans, how you created "enrichments"/games & toys for the children or how well you decorated the room. The are rules that need to be followed about diapering, feeding, educating, health or safety for example. You will create a professional portfolio (large binder) with resources, training transcripts/certificates, philosophy and competency statements and take an exam. You will have to schedule an exam. The CDA needs to be renewed after 3 years. The CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement and specialization. Child care facilities should do background checks on all employees prior to being hired.