what is the course to study to work in a pre school in us?

by Florian Sipes DVM 8 min read

If you want to work in a public preschool, however, you will likely need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field from a state-approved program as well as state certification.

Full Answer

What are the courses in a bachelor's degree for preschool teachers?

Bachelor's degree programs for preschool teachers prepare you to earn regular teacher certification and teach in preschool through third-grade classrooms in public schools. You'll take early childhood development courses, and you'll learn about educational assessment, language acquisition and inclusive education.

How to become a preschool teacher in the US?

1 Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. 2 Complete a student teaching internship in a preschool classroom. 3 If required, take the state’s tests for preschool teacher certification and apply for a teaching certificate. 4 Begin applying to open preschool teacher positions.

Can you take preschool teacher education courses online?

As a preschool teaching student, you might be able to find a program that allows you to take some of your courses online, but these are rare. Online preschool teacher education programs are typically geared towards students who are already licensed teachers and want to get additional credentials to teach preschoolers.

What makes a preschool successful?

That means most effective preschools work on key skill areas, which include math, science, and literacy skills. Important concepts in the preschool curriculum include the following: Calendar, including the seasons, days of the week, and months of the year

What degree is best for early childhood education?

A bachelor's degree in early childhood education prepares an instructor to teach young children, including infants and children up to the third grade. Teachers at this level help children develop social, personal, and academic skills to properly prepare them for higher levels of education.

Can you be a preschool teacher without a degree?

Can you become a preschool teacher without a degree? Technically, yes. Most public school districts require preschool teachers to meet specific minimum education requirements, but independent daycare centers with preschool programs and private schools are generally free of such regulations.

What qualifications do I need to be an early years teacher?

How to become an early years teacherdo an undergraduate degree in a subject related to early childhood studies or child development, along with course placements.take an early years initial teacher training course after you finish your first degree.More items...

How do you become a kindergarten teacher in America?

How to Become a Kindergarten TeacherEarn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a closely related subject.Complete a student teaching internship in a kindergarten classroom as part of a state-approved teacher preparaton program.Take your state's required tests for prospective kindergarten teachers.More items...

What subjects are needed to become a preschool teacher?

By obtaining a bachelor's degree, you can broaden your employment options as a preschool teacher. Common topics covered in a bachelor's degree programme in early childhood education include behaviour assessment and management, math teaching methods, and reading instruction methods.

What is college for preschool teacher?

Some require a high school diploma, while others require a college degree. The majority of preschool teachers hold at least an associate's degree, which takes around two years to complete, or a bachelor's degree, which takes around four years to complete.

How long does it take to become an early years teacher?

An undergraduate degree typically takes three years. An Early Years foundation degree typically takes two years, and you can opt to top it up to a full honours degree with a third year of study if you wish. You need the full honours degree if you wish to progress to postgraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training.

How do I become a preschool teacher in New York?

You will need to possess a Bachelor's degree, at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education OR at least 6 months of experience working in a school-based setting with children under the age of 6, and commit to obtain a NY State Early childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.

What do nursery teachers get paid?

The average Nursery teacher salary in London is £32,386. This is 23.9% more than the average national salary for Nursery teacher jobs. The average London Nursery teacher salary is 26% less than the average salary across London.

What is the minimum qualification of a kindergarten teacher?

> The kindergarten teacher-applicants must have obtained any of the following degrees: Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. Bachelor of Science in Preschool Education. Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Child Development.

What is NTT course?

Nursery Teachers' Training course also known as NTT is a diploma course for teachers who want to teach and cater to the students at nursery level or pre-primary level. This teacher workforce has to undergo the training of the general TT course where the teacher joins the workforce of several other pre-school teachers.

What is BTC course?

Basic Training Certificate (BTC) is a Certificate level Educational course. The course is two year (full time) recognised by NCTE, Govt. of India. The course is good for those applying for assistant teachers' jobs. It is a necessary certificate for the appointment of primary teachers in government primary schools.

What Is a Preschool Teacher?

Preschool teachers use imaginative methods to encourage early childhood education, engage their young audience, and prepare them for the structure...

What Does a Preschool Teacher Do?

A good job description for a preschool teacher is that you’ll teach critical language, social, and motor skills to children who have yet to enter k...

How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher?

Although some facilities require only an associate degree, most preschool teachers today have their bachelor’s in early childhood education or a re...

What Skills Does a Preschool Teacher Need?

In addition to your degree and on-the-job experience, you should have the following soft and hard skills to be an effective pre-K or preschool educ...

How Much Does a Science Teacher Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a preschool teacher is $31,930 in May 2020. Your education and wher...

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

The demand for preschool teachers is set to grow at an astounding rate of 18% from 2020 to 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This i...

Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?

You will most often need at least an associate degree and the proper licenses and certifications to be a preschool teacher. Check with your local s...

What Is a Preschool Teacher?

Preschool teachers use imaginative methods to encourage early childhood education, engage their young audience, and prepare them for the structure of their K–12 education.

What Skills Does a Preschool Teacher Need?

Calm, friendly, and relaxed temperament. School can be a new nerve-racking experience for young preschoolers. They need a safe, calming environment to feel comfortable learning. Creating a stress-free learning zone can help students rise above anxiety and focus on learning and social skills.

How Much Does a Preschool Teacher Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a preschool teacher is $31,930 in May 2020. Your education and where you work greatly influence your pay. For example, working as a pre-K teacher in a private elementary or public school pays, on average, over $18,000 more per year than working at a daycare center.

What is the Projected Job Growth?

The demand for preschool teachers is set to grow at an astounding rate of 18% from 2020 to 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the rate of growth for most other occupations. Interest in early childhood education is on the rise and parents are looking for good preschool options for their children.

Do I Need a Degree to Be a Preschool Teacher?

You will most often need at least an associate degree and the proper licenses and certifications to be a preschool teacher. Check with your local state for the most accurate information on requirements. Many teachers today hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, particularly if they work at a private school or elementary school.

Interested in Becoming a Preschool Teacher?

Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.

What degree do you need to be a preschool teacher?

Many preschool teachers have a minimum of an associate degree; however, a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure may be required in certain states.

What is an associates degree in preschool?

Associate degree programs include courses in early childhood teaching methods, as well as covering the development of language, motor skills, and social skills in children. You may be required to undergo student teaching experience and an internship in a preschool classroom to complete the degree program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov ), a significant number of employers are requiring preschool teachers to have an associate degree. Some preschools, such as the government-based Head Start program, already have mandatory requirements for teachers to hold an associate degree.

Do preschool teachers need an associates degree?

Some preschools, such as the government-based Head Start program, already have mandatory requirements for teachers to hold an associate degree.

Learn About Your State's Education Requirements for Preschool Teachers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that every state has its own rules regarding preschool teacher education requirements, and certain types of schools may set additional requirements ( www.bls.gov ). Typically, state and federally funded preschools require more education than private institutions do.

What Are the Programs Like?

CDA programs include basic instruction in early childhood development, including discussions about children's social and emotional growth. You'll also learn about safe learning and play environments. Associate's degree programs require about two years of full-time study. You'll take courses in childhood growth, behavior and development.

Can I Learn Online?

As a preschool teaching student, you might be able to find a program that allows you to take some of your courses online, but these are rare. Online preschool teacher education programs are typically geared towards students who are already licensed teachers and want to get additional credentials to teach preschoolers.

What degree do you need to be a preschool teacher?

1 The federally organized Head Start programs (which account for a sizable chunk of preschools throughout the country) require half of their teachers to hold at least an Associate’s degree and the other half at least a Bachelor’s degree in early education or a related field. 1

What is the certification for preschool teachers?

Certification and licensing requirements for preschool teachers vary by state and school, though the BLS highlights two common certifications: the Childcare Development Associate (CDA) from the Council for Professional Recognition or the Child Care Professional (CCP) designation from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation.

What do preschool teachers do?

The daily duties of a preschool teacher typically involve teaching children colors, shapes, numbers and letters, targeting specific areas of development in activities, creating routines for students to follow, encouraging expression and empathy, and watching for signs of emotional or developmental struggles, according to the BLS . 1

How much will preschool teachers be employed in 2026?

Employment of preschool teachers is expected to grow at a steady rate of 10 percent through 2026. 1 The BLS attributes this to an increasing 3-to-5-year-old population as well as a rising awareness of how powerful preschool can be in building ...

What degree do I need to become an early childhood educator?

Most often, a state’s licensing requirements involve a Bachelor’s degree and passing an exam to demonstrate competency. 2. A great degree program in Early Childhood Education will teach students about children’s development, strategies in educating young children and family support.

Can I get a preschool teacher job after graduation?

You should realize that although preschool teacher jobs are available, they won’t just fall into your lap the morning after graduation. Be proactive about finding opportunities by networking, volunteering or joining professional ECE associations so you can get in the loop on jobs, events and networking opportunities in your area.

How many hours do you need to be a preschool teacher?

For example, in many states, a Preschool Teacher needs at least 150 hours of teaching time in order to gain employment. Another way to gain experience that can help toward employment is working in childcare centers or even daycares. Step 3Become Licensed.

How long does it take to get a preschool teacher license?

The first license that you obtain as a Preschool Teacher is a provisional license for the first six years of your career. The provision is not taken off of your license until you have completed all of the education requirements, work hour requirements, and other specific state requirements.

How much does a preschool teacher make?

On average, a Preschool Teacher makes about $34,000 a year. However, with more education, certifications, and other specialties, a Preschool Teacher can make close to $50,000 a year in some areas of the United States.

Why is homeschooling so slow?

The reason for the slow gain is due to homeschooling and the use of “unschooling” to provide education to Preschoolers. Preschool is important, and many parents are sending their children to school in order to go back to work.

Why do parents send their kids to school?

Some parents decide to send their little ones to school in order to gain independence, knowledge, and self-discovery. What parents may not realize, is that their child’s Preschool Teacher is just as important. A good Preschool Teacher will help students thrive and become better and better every day.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree?

Or, you could earn a Bachelor’s degree. This type of degree takes about four years to finish for full-time students. Both degrees are great for this career, however, a Bachelor’s degree will provide more in-depth education and often requires an internship or experience in the field.

Do you have to get a license to be a preschool teacher?

Having licensure as a Preschool Teacher is extremely important if you want to work in a public school. Private School Preschool Teachers or Head Start Preschool Teachers don’t have to get licensed in many states, however, more and more employers are requesting it nowadays.

What certification do preschool teachers need?

Depending on where they live, preschool teachers may be required to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. In order to receive this designation, people are required to complete a written examination and demonstrate education and experience.

What degree do you need to be a preschool teacher?

Preschool teachers are required to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The education hopeful teachers need depends on where they work. For example, preschool teachers at Head Start programs can get a job after completing an associate’s degree, while those who want to work at public schools are required ...

What do preschool teachers do?

During their degree programs, prospective preschool teachers take coursework in children’s literature, early childhood education theory, children and families, issues in education, and the psychological and physical development of children. Experiential learning is an important part of becoming an educator, so preschool teachers are required ...

How much will preschool teachers increase in 2026?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 10 percent increase in jobs for preschool teachers between 2016 and 2026, which is attributed to the growing population driving the need for additional early childhood educators.

What is the National Association for the Education of Young Children?

National Association for the Education of Young Children. Provides services to the early childhood community, such as webinars, training, and professional development. The association also organizes an annual conference and publishes books and periodicals. National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators.

Do preschool teachers need a license?

Preschool teachers who are required to obtain a state license in order to work may have to complete continuing education classes to keep their credentials current. State requirements differ, so professionals should verify the continuing education rules in their state. 2.

1. CARE COURSES ARE CONVENIENT

All of the Care Courses School Inc.’s professional development trainings are offered to early childhood educators through distance-learning. Each course has two options, either online or through a CourseBook. This allows busy professionals to meet their professional development requirements any time and from anywhere!

2. CARE COURSES OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF SUBJECTS

When it comes to professional development training, one of the most important things to look for is a variety in the training topics. Whether you have a specific issue you, or your teachers, are dealing with in the classroom or just need to cover your training for the year, you want to have a variety of topics available to you.

3. CARE COURSES OFFER EXCELLNT SUPPORT

It is always reassuring to know that any company you deal with has an effective support staff in place. This is especially true when dealing with training that can greatly impact your professional career.

4. CARE COURSES IS A CDA GOLD STANDARD COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING ORGANIZATION

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is recognized as the only national credentialing system that assesses early childhood educators.

image

Preschool Teacher Job Description

  • Teachers at preschools instruct children who are between the ages of three and five. They work with small groups and teach basic skills through combined play and structured learning. They also help their students learn to socialize, both with adults and with peers. Preschool teachers plan lessons and activities teaching children basic motor and language skills. They also introduce chi…
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com

Preschool Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks

  • Necessary skills of preschool teachers include effective communication, the ability to instruct a group of students, and being good with children. Common tasks include teaching shapes, colors, early reading skills, numbers, and counting. Teachers will also teach social skills important to doing well in elementary school such as listening, sharing, cooperation, and working in groups. S…
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com

How to Become A Preschool Teacher

  • Requirements for preschool teachers vary from state to state and from school to school. Some states and markets demand a high school diploma, while others call for a degree or certification in early childhood education (ECE), which covers preschool through third grade. Head Start preschool teachers must have an associate’s degree at minimum, but at...
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com

Preschool Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

  • Prospects for preschool teachers are expected to remain strong as the emphasis on early childhood education increases. The profession is projected to grow about 7% by 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.1 The job also has a relatively high turnover rate, as many preschool teachers leave to pursue further education or care for their own families. Accor…
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com

Helpful Skills and Experience

  • Successful preschool teachers possess patience, kindness, and the ability to respond properly to students’ developing emotional and physical needs. Teachers should also be able to inspire trust and motivate learning, as well as develop age-appropriate lessons. Effective teachers at this level realize how important play is for young children, and will be able to effectively incorporate learni…
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Do you need a degree to be a preschool teacher? Answer: Whether you need a degree to teach preschool depends on the state and school where you hope to teach. Some schools may only require a high school diploma, while others require a college degree plus specific certification through the state education department. Most public preschools require a bachelor’s degree in e…
See more on teachercertificationdegrees.com