Educational Requirements for Preschool Teachers

A preschool teacher plays an important role in a child's early development. Her job is to nurture and teach pre-kindergarten children using resources such as books, music, games, art, and computer technology. Preschool teachers foster the investigative process. They enhance the children's social, emotional and language development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the educational requirements for preschool teachers are set by individual states. One state may require only a high school diploma while another could mandate a college degree.

Public Funding

If a program receives public funding, there will likely be set educational or professional development mandates. Beginning in 2011, all Head Start preschool teachers must have associate degrees.

Child Development Association Certification

The Child Development Associate credential is set forth by the Training Council for Professional Recognition. Many states view this certification as the entry-level credential for preschool teachers. Candidates learn the basic principles of early childhood education via 120 hours of training. The process culminates in a 'verification visit' and an oral interview. Although not required, some individuals choose to earn college credits during this process in case they decide to proceed with an associate's or bachelor's degree.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE) is generally earned within two years, sometimes sooner with online options. Local community colleges often offer child development or early childhood education degree programs. The courses will include child psychology, curriculum development in ECE, and observation and assessment classes. You'll be taught to screen young children and provide early developmental interventions. Individuals earning an associate's degree often work in private childcare settings or as preschool, Head Start, or daycare teachers.

Bachelor's Degree

It takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree in ECE or child development. In order to be accepted into a bachelor's degree program, you will need a high school diploma, the required college admission scores, and an acceptable grade point average. Coursework will include classes such as language and literacy development, cultural foundations, social and emotional growth, child development, and ECE assessment. You will begin with general education classes and progress to specific courses that focus on early childhood education. You will visit classrooms and interact with preschool children. Student teaching occurs during the last semester. Since I had a major in elementary education and a minor in ECE, my student teaching was split between third grade and kindergarten.

A degree in early childhood education or child development can also be earned through a master's or doctoral program.

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