The Path To Teaching Is Through Teaching: Preschool Teacher Education

The economy today is as such that many homes require that both mother and father work outside the home to make financial ends meet. In addition, this may create a hardship for the family because many working families have children in the home that are five years of age or younger.

Therefore, of particular importance to the family is a quality preschool. A preschool is generally a state licensed facility that focuses in on the enrollment of children ranging from ages two to five years old. Often, a quality preschool will provide a variety of activities for the child. Some of these activities include reading, recreational activities, learning of social skills, etc. All of these activities are provided in a safe, nurturing and caring environment managed by a preschool director and their appropriate number on staff.

In addition, not just anyone can work as a preschool teacher. There are certain preschool teacher requirements that need to be met for individuals to be qualified to work in the preschool. This is important not only to provide a quality experience for the child, but to give the parents that peace of mind knowing that their child is being cared for properly.

Therefore, for the parents and for that individual considering a preschool teacher career it is important to know what are the preschool teacher education requirements and how certification is obtained.

Preschool Teacher Education Requirements

As with anything else, to fully excel in one's chosen profession they must be willing to devote themselves to educational opportunities. These educational opportunities are not only those found within the classroom setting but are gained through on-the-job training. Therefore, preschool teacher education is no different and the blending of these two areas of education not only benefits the individual, but the family whom they are caring for.

Additionally, preschool teacher education requirement can very from geographical area to geographical area. For example, certain oversight organizations that require certification may simply require a high school diploma while other oversight departments may require an AA degree or higher.

For the most part, however, the basic requirements for preschool teacher education are the completion of a minimum of 12 units. These 12 semester units must be accomplished in various childhood development areas. In addition, once a preschool teacher has been hired by a child development center there is a requirement that continuing education be accomplished. This is often needed to not only provide quality preschool experience for the client, but as part of the ongoing licensing requirements for that child development center.

How Certification Is Obtained

Once a preschool teacher has received the appropriate amount of education they may be eligible for certification. Often the certification is given by the licensing entity within the state and is dependent upon educational accomplishments.

Specifically, the preschool teacher requirements for certification require the obtaining of an Associate of Arts degree in early childhood education. This particular track it is a more extensive program. Some of the curriculum could include education, early childhood education and programs for student success. In addition, upon successful graduation the graduate is able to take on a greater leadership role within the Child Development Center.