High School

You should take child development and other classes that involve you with child care, such as family and consumer science classes. You will also need a fundamental understanding of the general subjects you will be introducing to preschool students, so take English, science, and math. Also, take classes in art, music, and theater to develop creative skills.

Postsecondary Training

Specific education requirements for preschool and kindergarten teachers vary from state to state and also depend on the specific guidelines of the school or district. Many schools and child care centers require preschool teachers to have a bachelors degree in early childhood education or a related field, but others accept adults with a high school diploma and certification in early childhood education, or an associates degree. Some preschool facilities offer on-the-job training to their teachers, hiring them as assistants or aides until they are sufficiently trained to work in a classroom alone. A college degree program should include course work in a variety of liberal arts subjects, including English, history, and science, as well as nutrition, child development, psychology of the young child, and sociology.

Certification

Certificate programs in early childhood education and related fields are offered by colleges and universities. For example, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers an early childhood-preschool certificate. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following courses: Health Safety and Nutrition; Child Development; Guiding Child Behavior; Social Studies, Art, Music and movement; Foundations of Early Childhood Education; and Early Language and Literacy. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

The American Montessori Society offers certificate programs in early childhood reading and other fields. Visit https://amshq.org/ams-certificate-programs-and-courses for more information.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is a great way to keep your skills up to date, and CE credits may also be required to renew one’s certification. These opportunities are provided by professional associations, such as the American Montessori Society, Association for Early Learning Leaders, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

In some states, licensure may be required. Many states accept the child development associate credential (awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition) or the certified childcare professional designation from National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. (Note: High school students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs are eligible to earn the child development associate credential.) Individual state boards of education can provide specific licensure information. Kindergarten teachers working in public elementary schools almost always need teaching certification similar to that required by other elementary school teachers in the school. Other types of licensure or certification may be required, depending upon the school or district. These may include first-aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

Preschool teachers need experience working with young children. They should understand the needs of this age group and know how to plan activities designed to enhance their cognitive, emotional and social development. Patience is important when working with young children as well as good communication skills. These skills are also essential to work effectively with the parents of these children. Because young children look up to adults and learn through example, it is especially important that as a preschool teacher, you be a good role model. It will also help to have a good sense of humor.