Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Virginia: Certification & Requirements

<p>The requirements for becoming a preschool teacher in Virginia are not as strict as those for other educators. You'll need to complete some college courses, which can result in a certificate or two-year degree. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Associate degree or certificate in early childhood care</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Virginia Salary (2018)* </td><td>$37,880</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td>10% for all preschool teachers</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobOverview">Job Overview</h3> <p>Preschool teachers place equal emphasis on learning and socialization for young students, usually instructing classrooms of students under five years of age. As a preschool teacher, you'll determine the best approach for your classroom, developing schedules and course material that addresses the individual and group needs of your students. If you notice any warning signs in your students, such as behavioral or psychological issues, you'll take notes and discuss them with the child's parents. You'll plan activities for your students to engage them in play time and give them equal schedules to rest after physical activity. During these formative years, you'll expose young students to brand new concepts like numbers, colors, and letters. Students who attend preschool can have an advantage as they get ready for kindergarten, which gives you the chance to help them boost their skills before formally entering the education system. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationAndTrainingRequirements">Education and Training Requirements</h3> <p>You won't need a four-year degree to teach preschool in Virginia. You can become a preschool teacher by obtaining a professional or technical certificate or a two-year degree. Examples of these program types include an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development or a Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development - Preschool. Both programs place emphasis on learning the necessary skills required to work with younger children and their families. A certificate focuses on core courses related to child education, while a degree allows you to take some general education courses to supplement your studies. You'll find course topics like child psychology, exceptional children, and children's literature. </p> <h3 id="section---AlternativeDegreeOptions">Alternative Degree Options</h3> <p>Virginia also offers a more advanced degree for those seeking an education in early childhood instruction. You can find a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on early childhood education. This will be the first step in earning your credentials for teaching any grade from preschool through third grade. You'll learn the essentials of classroom instruction and reading methods and get introduced to classroom management skills. You'll take the appropriate exams before you graduate, and during the last year of the program, you'll go through an internship that includes a student teaching experience. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlookAndSalaryInformation">Job Outlook and Salary Information</h3> <p>If you're planning on becoming a preschool teacher, the prospects of finding a job are better than the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A 10% increase in preschool teaching positions was predicted from 2016 through 2026. In Virginia, annual average salary for a preschool teacher was $37,880 as of May 2018, which is slightly higher than the national average of $34,410. Just over 10,000 people held preschool teaching positions in Virginia during the same year.</p>