A preschool teacher needs to be qualified to help small children learn the basics of education and prepare them for kindergarten. They need to teach kids important elements that are needed for them to enter school life. The primary duty of a preschool teacher includes preparing creative programs suitable for small kids, making use of a variety of educational techniques to teach children, and help them improve their social competencies and self-esteem. The teacher needs to have a great love for children and should have great patience. They need to be qualified enough to teach best practices and educational methods and build trust and attention. The main aim of a preschool teacher must be contributing to the mental and emotional development of the child so that they can easily move towards the next level of education.
What does a preschool teacher do?
Preschool teachers take care of children before they enter kindergarten and they help kids develop language and social skills. They employ in public, private schools, daycare centers, and other child development centers. Working with the age group remains tiring and stressful. The teacher needs to be quite active and must possess certain skills to understand each kid and remain favorite for them.
The preschool teacher must perform certain duties and responsibilities which includes:
- Designing creative program specialized for kindergarten kids
- Use a variety of educational techniques to teach children
- Look after each child’s interest and motivate them
- Inspire kids to communicate with each other in a friendly manner
- Organize and conduct tiffin break and nap
- Monitor kids interaction and sharing behavior
- Evaluate students academic and social growth
- Maintain report and prepare a progress report
- Maintain open communication with parents and provide correct information
- Oversee kids make sure they are safe
- Cooperate with teacher and administrative staff
- Maintain clean and tidy classroom with health and safety standards
- Guide children to develop their artistic capabilities
How to become a preschool teacher?
Preschool teachers instruct kids who are between the age of three and five. They work with small groups of kids and it remains a combined play and structured learning process. Teachers need to plan lessons and activities before they start taking the class. They need to introduce kids to routine and schedules providing a safe place for them to grow, learn, play, eat, and rest. Teachers should be able to instruct a group of kids, explore their interests, and monitor student’s progress.
Here are given step by step information about becoming a preschool teacher
1. Gain a high school diploma
Preschool teachers generally require a high school diploma and certification in early childhood education. In high school, various subjects like English, health, sociology, and psychology can provide them valuable knowledge. You need to develop proficient reading and writing skills.
2. Earn an associate degree
The education requirements vary depending on the type of preschool. In child care centers they need only a high school diploma and certification in early childhood education. Preschool teachers need to have an associate degree. There are associate degrees available in arts, science, and teaching programs in early childhood teaching. An associate degree may be sufficient for a beginner. To gain broader employment options, earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
3. Gain a bachelor degree in education
Public schools in all states require students to gain a bachelor’s degree in education. Common topics that will be covered will include behavior assessment and management, math’s, educational psychology, and reading instruction methods. Many other degree programs offer modules with specialized focusing on topics like language acquisition, bilingual education, and educating students with a special need. Many institutions offer off-campus learning too.
4. Go for certification programs
Each state in the US has different requirements for a teaching license, it is good to hold a nationally accredited certificate in teaching. To earn CDA, credentials require the candidate to have a high school diploma and must have completed 480 hours of experience working with kids, and must have completed 120 hours of formal childcare education. The certification for preschool teachers involves passing the state certification exams after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Many preschools require teachers to attain a child development association. To earn CDA, the candidate needs to have completed a high school diploma, must have experience in the childhood education field and specific coursework. The CCP designation is recognized by some states and they can be earned by teachers who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. They must have work experience and must be skilled in writing.
You might consider attending the test offered by ETS. There are three different preschool certification programs, the core academic skills for educators which are designed to assess reading, writing and mathematical skill, Subject assessment which focus on the basics of the specific subject which includes geometry, language, and social studies, and content knowledge for teaching assessment which allows in-depth assessment of your understanding in specific subjects.
5. Maintain certification
A CDA credential is required to pursue education for renewal and preschool teachers in childcare centers must be certified in first aid. They need to be active in teaching, obtain membership from an approved organization for a childcare professional. Preschool teachers in public schools must participate in various development programs to keep their license current. New knowledge and skills would also help them to upgrade their career.
6. Helpful skills
The preschool teacher must have a superb understanding of the principles of child development and education methods and must be familiar with the safety guidelines for classrooms. Few important skills they must possess include flexibility, creativity, patience, classroom management, technical skills, and strong verbal communication skills.
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