4 answers
Alyssa
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
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How much schooling do you need to become an early childhood teacher?
How much schooling do you need to become an early childhood teacher?
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4 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
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St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
It most likely varies, depending on where you live. I believe each state will have their own requirements. When I got certified in MO, all you needed was a bachelor's degree, which generally takes 4 years of college. You would have to major in early child education, and pass a certification exam (I think).
My path was a little different, as my B.A. was not in education, and I wanted to teach secondary school math. So, I spend another 3 years (part time) taking math and ed classes to meet the requirements.
My path was a little different, as my B.A. was not in education, and I wanted to teach secondary school math. So, I spend another 3 years (part time) taking math and ed classes to meet the requirements.
Bailey Feathers
Technology Consulting
14
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Newnan, Georgia
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Great question, Alyssa!
Personally, I am not a teacher and didn't go to school to be such. However, my mother is an early childhood teacher from Mississippi, so I reached out to her for an answer.
The requirements will be different depending on the state you live in; however, most states will require a bachelor's degree or higher. For MS, you must complete a bachelor's degree or higher in child development, complete the required praxis examinations, apply for a five-year educator's license, and renew your educator license and participate in continuing education workshops.
You can find more information about your specific location online or by reaching out to your local school counselor/college academic advisors!
Personally, I am not a teacher and didn't go to school to be such. However, my mother is an early childhood teacher from Mississippi, so I reached out to her for an answer.
The requirements will be different depending on the state you live in; however, most states will require a bachelor's degree or higher. For MS, you must complete a bachelor's degree or higher in child development, complete the required praxis examinations, apply for a five-year educator's license, and renew your educator license and participate in continuing education workshops.
You can find more information about your specific location online or by reaching out to your local school counselor/college academic advisors!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello There,
The state of Minnesota requires aspiring public school preschool teachers to hold a bachelor's degree or better from an approved early childhood education certification program. If pursuing a preschool teacher position in a Minnesota Head Start program, you must have at least an associate's degree.
Best,
Aisha T
The state of Minnesota requires aspiring public school preschool teachers to hold a bachelor's degree or better from an approved early childhood education certification program. If pursuing a preschool teacher position in a Minnesota Head Start program, you must have at least an associate's degree.
Best,
Aisha T
Candice Robinson, BS, NCPT-4
Psych Assistant/Practice Administrator
39
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Candice’s Answer
You can often get an entry level job in early childhood education without completing a degree program. There are career certificates and diplomas in the area of early childhood education.
The NAFCC or National Association of Family Child Care is a membership based organization that includes programs that offer career diplomas to become a Child Care Provider, so I would look there.
Additionally, many community colleges will train you to become a certificate level Child Development Associate in which you can earn a credential. These colleges also usually offer an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. At associate degree level you are trained to become a preschool or daycare teacher.
At the more advanced bachelor degree level in Early Childhood Education you will focus on developing curriculum and family studies. While most early childhood educators move on to becoming lead teachers, there are also opportunities available in becoming a child care center director, home based service provider, or child/family advocate in the social service field.
The NAFCC or National Association of Family Child Care is a membership based organization that includes programs that offer career diplomas to become a Child Care Provider, so I would look there.
Additionally, many community colleges will train you to become a certificate level Child Development Associate in which you can earn a credential. These colleges also usually offer an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. At associate degree level you are trained to become a preschool or daycare teacher.
At the more advanced bachelor degree level in Early Childhood Education you will focus on developing curriculum and family studies. While most early childhood educators move on to becoming lead teachers, there are also opportunities available in becoming a child care center director, home based service provider, or child/family advocate in the social service field.