Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education programs prepare educators to teach children in preschool through third grade (through age eight). Being an early childhood teacher requires knowledge of how young children develop, a broad knowledge of subjects taught in these grades, and techniques for working effectively with children.
Preschool Teacher Job Description
Preschool teachers focus on language development, improving social skills, and introducing math and science concepts to children ages five and younger. Lessons are taught in a less structured way, emphasizing small-group or one-on-one instruction with most learning done through creative activities and play.
Kindergarten Teacher Job Description
Kindergarten teachers utilize play and hands-on teaching but bring in more academic structure and concepts such as reading, vocabulary, and awareness of nature and science. Kindergarten can be very rewarding with children's natural curiosity for learning during this time of rapid development.
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Credential and Certification Requirements
Requirements for licensure of kindergarten teachers vary by state. However, all states require general education teachers to have obtained at least a bachelor's degree and to have completed an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits. Supervised student teaching is also a requirement to obtain your degree. Several states also require that teachers earn a master's degree in education within a specified period after they begin teaching.
Licensing requirements for preschool teachers also vary by state. Some states require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, while others require an associate’s degree, and still others require certification by a nationally recognized authority. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the most common type of certification, requires a mix of classroom training and work experience with children, in addition to an independent assessment of individual ability and competence.