You can pursue a program in early childhood education in order to become a preschool teacher. Review your options for earning a certificate or undergraduate degree in this field via online learning. Check the coursework for these programs, and get info on the job outlook and typical salary for preschool teachers.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Preschool Teacher?
Education requirements for preschool teachers vary by state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some states only require a high school diploma, while others may require an associate's degree in early childhood development (www.bls.gov). Requirements vary by employer as well; for example, teachers who are part of the federally-funded Head Start program need an associate's degree.
Some states or employers may expect preschool teachers to possess the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential offered through the Council for Professional Recognition. Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates also need to have spent 480 clock hours working with children and 120 hours in formal childcare training within the last five years.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Requirements</b></td><td>Vary but may include an associate's degree and/or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Programs</b></td><td>Certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs available, usually in a blended format that requires an internship or practicum</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Work</b></td><td>Child development, child health and nutrition and family dynamics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$31,930 <i>(for preschool teachers, except special education)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>2% growth <i>(for all preschool teachers, except special education)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailableOnline">What Programs Are Available Online?</h3><p>Associate's and bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or development may be available online. You may also find associate's degree programs in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on early childhood education. Online bachelor's completion programs may be available for those who want to transfer credits from an associate's degree program. However, most programs are offered in a blended format; you'll usually need to complete an internship or practicum to graduate.
</p><p>Online certificate programs in early childhood education are also available. These programs are often designed for individuals who need formal childcare education hours to qualify for the CDA credential. Some programs require in-person practicums, but many can be completed entirely online.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Associate's and bachelor's degree programs may include general education courses like algebra or English composition. The core courses of your program will usually explore the emotional, social and psychological needs of children. You'll study topics like childhood health and nutrition, the dynamics of the family, literacy development for children and technology in the classroom.
</p><p>Certificate programs explore many of the same childcare topics as associate's and bachelor's programs. You might take courses like foundations of early childhood education, child behavior and creative development.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyEducation">What Can I Do With My Education?</h3><p>According to the BLS, the number of available jobs for preschool teachers was expected to grow by two percent between 2019-2029. This rate of growth was due to an increased focus on early childhood education and the need to replace teachers who were leaving the field. The median annual wage for preschool teachers in 2020 was $31,930, as reported by the BLS.</p>
