Pre-school teachers educate young children that stimulate growth in social and intellectual development, in preparation for kindergarten. Becoming a preschool teacher is a rewarding and fulfilling career. If you are thinking about pursuing this profession, there are many steps you must go through to become a preschool teacher, such as formal school, obtaining certifications and getting experience. Here are some of the steps on how to become a preschool teacher.
One of the first steps is to check the state licensing laws by visiting or calling to the state Department of Education office. Some states only require Pre-school teachers to have an associate’s degree, while others require you obtain a four-year degree in the field of early childhood development. There are some areas that do not even require you to have a degree. Some states also require that you have other certifications in order to teach pre-school. Obtaining education and certifications are especially important for working in public schools. Private schools are typically not as strict.
If you need to obtain a degree in order to get a license, be sure that it is an accredited program. The National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredit programs in Early Childhood Education. Look at the schools that they accredit when choosing a school to attend. These schools will have a better reputation and will make your resume look even more impressive. In addition to education, most pre-schools require that you are certified in CPR and first aide so that you are prepared to respond to emergencies that could happen in the classroom.
You will also want to get as much experience as you can working with children. While going to school, try getting a job with a daycare center or a summer camp. If you have difficulty in finding a paying position, look for a volunteer opportunity. Many pre-school teachers were first a teaching assistant and then a lead teacher so looking into teacher assistant positions may be beneficial as well. Having a lot of experience will also help build your resume and also in getting a position.
Creating a portfolio is a great tool to build. It should contain projects you did and ideas you have organized into a binder. You should also have sample lesson plans, bulletin board ideas and activity plans. Bring your portfolio to job interviews. Employers will love to see that you bring your ideas to the table. It will also show them some of the work you have done.
Once you are about to graduate, build your resume. List all of your certifications, education and professional experience. List all of the duties that you had while taking care of children. For ideas on how to do this, look online for sample resumes. Always look for opportunities to add to your resume, even after you have obtained employment. Attend conferences or join teacher associations that will keep you up to date on new ideas to incorporate into your curriculum.
The road to becoming a preschool teacher is long, but once your requirements are completed you will be on your way to a rewarding career.
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