Indiana Preschool Teacher Requirements & Certification

<p>In order to become licensed as a preschool teacher in the state of Indiana, there are several requirements you will need to meet. There are specific educational routes as well as tests and certifications that you will need to pass. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Educational Requirements </td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td>CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA);<br /> Developmental (Pedagogy) Area Assessments;<br /> Content Area Assessment: Early Childhood Generalist</td></tr> <tr><td>License Validity</td><td>Initial Practitioner: valid for two years<br /> Proficient Practitioner: valid for five years</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Indiana Preschool Teacher Salary (2018) </td><td>$27,250*</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated Job Growth for Preschool Teachers Nationwide (2016-26)</td><td>10%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Preschool teachers are often generalists. They teach a wide variety of subjects and provide foundational education for their young students. Preschool teachers are also tasked with monitoring the progress of their individual students and ensuring they are ready to advance to further grade levels. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>In order to become a teacher in the state of Indiana, you must obtain a bachelor's degree. For those wishing to teach at a preschool level, a major in early childhood education is preferred. Indiana requires those wishing to obtain certification to complete an approved teacher preparation program. These Indiana Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) are offered through a selection of state-approved and regionally accredited universities. Successful completion of these programs will ensure that you meet all educational requirements and will prepare you for the next steps in the certification process. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationExams">Certification Exams</h3> <p>The next step is passing Indiana's certification exams. After completing an EPP, prospective teaching candidates must pass the CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA). This test is designed to demonstrate basic competency. Acceptable and recent ACT, SAT, or GRE scores can also serve to demonstrate basic competency. Candidates must then pass a Developmental (Pedagogy) Area Assessment and Content Area Assessment based on the level and subject area they wish to be certified to teach. Although there are many Content Area Assessments, those wishing to teach preschool will likely only take the Early Childhood Generalist assessment. </p> <h3 id="section---AdditionalRequirements">Additional Requirements</h3> <p>Most states require a federal background check for public teaching candidates, and Indiana is no exception. Along with a federal background check, candidates must also be certified for emergency preparedness. Prospective candidates must be CPR certified, certified in the Heimlich Maneuver, and certified in the use of an automated external defibrillator. Candidates must also pass training in child suicide prevention and the recognition of warning signs for suicidal students. </p> <h3 id="section---LicensingApplication">Licensing Application</h3> <p>Once candidates have completed and passed all necessary requirements and exams, it is now time to submit an application for an official license. Candidates must collect documented proof of passing all tests and exams, proof of completion of a preparation program, proof of all required emergency training, and a completed application from the Indiana Department of Education, along with application fees. Candidates can submit this application online at the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) website. Candidates whose applications are complete can then receive an Initial Practitioner License, which is good for two years and, with additional training, can be converted into a five-year Proficient Practitioner License. Converting to a Proficient Practitioner License is usually done through the Indiana Mentor and Assessment Program (IMAP) during the course of the two-year validity period of the Initial Practitioner License.</p>