Pre-School Teacher Certification
Preschool teachers work to care for and educate young children, most often between the ages of three and five in a pre-kindergarten setting. In the classroom, they may be responsible for teaching subjects including science, math, writing, and reading, and other skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Preschool teachers must present information and curriculum content in a way that is comprehensible to very young children. They may work in both public and private institutions, daycare centers, childcare centers, or for charitable organizations. Many work ten months per year, as is common in the school system, while others work the full twelve months.
Education & Credentials
Preschool teachers are required by all states to hold a child care license; however, other regulations vary from state to state and employer to employer. For instance, preschool teachers employed by the federal government’s Head Start program must hold an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Many states also require that preschool teachers complete two-year associate’s degrees in a relevant field, but in some states it is acceptable to obtain employment with only a high school diploma and a Child Development Associate (CDA) designation. The CDA designation involves proof of 120 hours of formal training and 480 hours of experience in the classroom earned within a five-year period. Applicants must then write and pass a multiple choice exam and oral interview. Certified CDAs must renew their license first after three years and subsequently after every five years.
Career Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 438,200 preschool teacher jobs across the United States in 2012. The career outlook for this profession is good, with 17% growth expected between 2012 and 2022, a rate which is faster than other professions on average. The predicted growth will involve the addition of 76,400 additional jobs during the upcoming decade. This occupation growth is expected as a result of the increasing trend to send young children to preschool and the ever-increasing population of children between the ages of three and five.
Salary
In 2012, the median pay for preschool teachers was $27,130 USD per year, indicating that half of all preschool teachers got paid less than that amount and the other half received a salary higher than that amount. The median hourly rate was $13.04 USD per hour. Well-paid positions were largely found in elementary and secondary schools, where preschool teachers were paid an average of $44,760 per year. However, location also played a role in pay, with preschool teachers working in cities generally earning more than those working in rural areas.
How to Become a Preschool Teacher
Obtaining a high school diploma is the first step towards becoming a preschool teacher. Following that, it is crucial to get experience working with children, whether by volunteering or obtaining a job as a teacher’s assistant in a preschool classroom. Upon obtaining a required amount of hours, prospective preschool teachers should be aware of the requirements in their state. Even if it’s not a requirement, an associate’s degree in early childhood education might offer better job prospects. Obtaining CDA certification and passing the oral and written exams is the final step in the process of becoming a preschool teacher.
