How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Preschool Teacher?

<p>The length of time it takes to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Preschool_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Preschool_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a preschool teacher</a> largely depends on the degree and certification options you either choose or are required to pursue. In some cases, it may take 2 years or less, as some states and some schools require an associate's degree or even just a high school diploma and a credential. In other cases, it may take 4 or more years, as some individuals earn a bachelor's degree or higher along with various certifications. Read on to learn more about the possible paths to becoming a preschool teacher. </p> <h3 id="section---PreschoolTeacherDegreeOptions">Preschool Teacher Degree Options</h3> <p>Each state sets its requirements for becoming a licensed preschool teacher. Most states require a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Preschool_Teacher_Associate_Degree_Programs_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">2-year associate's degree</a>. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some childcare centers only require a high school diploma and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. However, in some cases, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education may be required to teach preschool. The BLS reports that a growing number of teachers with Head Start programs, those designed to make sure children from low-income families are ready for school, have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Public preschools also typically require a bachelor's degree. Even if not required, holding a bachelor's degree can improve your job prospects and pay. Many community colleges and 4-year universities offer early childhood education majors in both associate's and bachelor's degree tracks. </p> <h3 id="section---EarningPreschoolTeacherCredentials">Earning Preschool Teacher Credentials</h3> <p>The Council for Professional Development issues the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is a requirement for preschool teachers in many states. To achieve this credential, you must have completed 120 hours of early education training for children ages 3-5 within the last five years. You must also have worked 480 hours in a group setting with children ages 3-5 within this same time frame. In the six months before completing your CDA application, you need to complete a formal observation with a CDA advisor, collect portfolio materials and have your students' parents complete reviews of your performance. </p> <p>According to the BLS, the Child Care Professional (CCP) designation, which is offered by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission, is also accepted in some areas. To qualify for the CCP, you'll need a high school diploma, coupled with additional education courses and fieldwork experience. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPreschoolTeachers">Important Facts About Preschool Teachers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>
Key Skills
</td><td>
Creativity, patience, stamina, organization, communication, interpersonal skills</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2018)* </td><td> $29,780</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2018-2028)* </td><td> 7%</td></tr> <tr><td>
Similar Occupations
</td><td>
Childcare worker, teacher aide</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalRequirementsForSpecialPreschools">Educational Requirements for Special Preschools</h3> <p>Many preschools use particular learning methodologies in their programs and require special training or certification before they will hire you. Below are three examples. </p> <h4 id="section---MontessoriSchools">Montessori Schools</h4> <p>Are you interested in becoming a Montessori teacher? You can receive training in the Montessori method through the Association Montessori Internationale and the American Montessori Society. Training centers require that you hold a bachelor's degree before enrolling, and you need 200-600 hours of training before you can be hired at a Montessori school. </p> <h4 id="section---WaldorfSchools">Waldorf Schools</h4> <p>Do you want to work as a <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/School_Administration/Teacher_Education_for_Specific_Levels/Teacher_Education_for_Waldorf_and_Steiner_Teachers.html">Waldorf teacher</a>? Once you have obtained a bachelor's degree, you will do two years of full-time training or 3-4 years of training during the summer before being eligible for employment in a Waldorf school. Weekend training is also available, as well as degrees and state teaching certification. You can find Waldorf training institutions through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. If you are seeking employment, the organization also lists where Waldorf schools are located. </p> <h4 id="section---HighScopeCertification">HighScope Certification</h4> <p>HighScope-certified preschool teachers can find work at many different types of preschools throughout the country or work in a HighScope-accredited program. Interested teachers must complete a preschool curriculum course, implement course lessons in a classroom setting while being graded by a certified trainer, and then track two children for three months using the assessment method learned. Before starting your training, you must hold a teaching certificate or license from your home state.</p>