What Makes a Good Preschool Teacher
Qualifications and Qualities Parents May Look for in a Educator
Preschool teachers can work in a variety of locations, such as private or franchised daycare facilities, elementary schools, private or public preschools, and employee sponsored daycares. One thing is for sure, there are particular qualifications and/or qualities that parents look for in a preschool teacher before deciding where to place a child in a preschool teacher's care.
It is through personal interaction and play that most preschool teachers help children learn. They encourage a student's curiosity and imagination, and give children experience to ask questions and explore answers using all five senses. A good preschool teacher will help the children adjust to group settings and be prepared for kindergarten.
Qualifications of Preschool Teachers
The qualifications for preschool teachers may not always be as rigorous as those of primary through high school teachers and beyond. Preschool teachers that have specialized training in early childhood education have both the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact a child’s outcome. In other words, the most effective preschool teachers have a four-year degree with specialized training in teaching young children.
Each state may have slightly different qualifications to become a preschool teacher. If you want to be sure you are a respected and sought teacher by parents, be sure to know the qualifications needed in your area by visiting or calling your local Department of Education office. Also make a point of showing interested parents your educational degrees, certificates, and other pertinent papers to prove your training has been completed (or is in progress).
Beyond training, the curriculum you choose to use in the classroom reflects the quality of your teaching. Of course, there are certain circumstances when a curriculum is chosen for the preschool teacher to follow by the administrators of the preschool. In any case, there are different ways of implementing any given curriculum and choosing the delivery of the material will reflect positively or negatively on the teacher.
If you are at liberty to choose your own curriculum, there are a myriad of curricula to choose from, from free to quite expensive. Many will teach the same basic principles, but those that are hands-on and give children the opportunity to explore and manipulate objects seem to work best for preschool. Choose a curriculum that deals with all five senses, and you are probably on the right track for becoming a reputable teacher.
Subtle Qualities of a Good Preschool Teacher
If you want to be a good preschool teacher, you will need patience. Every child is different and you are going to have to know how to handle each one. One may be very shy, while another may be very hyperactive. Each child will need to be treated differently. Early education training approaches the subject of classroom management and dealing with a variety of personalities.
How you act and react are going to play an important role in the child's life. Just liking or loving children is not enough. You need to show enthusiasm for learning and teaching.
It would also be beneficial to have some special training regarding special needs children. A certificate for first aid and CPR are also a plus, and some states may even mandate having CPR training before becoming a licensed teacher.
Work for a Reputable Preschool
Looking for work as a preschool teacher can be frustrating in that many are underpaid. Salaries vary widely from area to area, so you can consider working outside of your general locale, if desired, for a better salary. This is where your love for children and teaching is more important to you than your salary.
Look for a preschool that has a low student to teacher ratio. This will give you the chance to work with children on an individual basis, as well as in group activities.
Investigate how the children are treated at each facility. Find out what curriculum is used and observe the children. Are they attentive or do they wander around? In other words, does the curriculum hold their attention, optimizing the learning process? Does the school have art and music? These subjects are important for a well rounded education, even at this early age.
Find out how the rest of the staff is educated, and what requirements must be met to become a teacher. Be sure that the preschool you apply for is licensed, so you are a protected employee.
Look for a school that has structure, but not rigid. Children need opportunities for choice, exploration, self-direction, and social interaction.
Becoming a preschool teacher is very exiting. You are influencing young minds and molding the ability for children to learn in the primary grades and beyond. You can be proud of what you accomplish as a preschool teacher.
What Makes a Good Preschool Teacher
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