First of all, those interested in becoming preschool teachers should enjoy being around children. First aid and CPR training is helpful, and a clean criminal record is also usually required. Although preschool teacher qualifications vary from place to place, most schools usually require some post-secondary education, including a teaching certificate. Before becoming a full-time preschool teacher, many students will also need to work under the supervision of a certified teacher.
A cheerful demeanor, enthusiasm, and a love of children are all basic preschool teacher qualifications. Those interested in becoming preschool teachers must genuinely enjoy children and look forward to helping them learn and grow. A certain amount of patience and a sense of humor is also very helpful for those interested in teaching small children.
Experience with children is one of the more common preschool teacher qualifications as well. Individuals can gain this experience in a number of different ways. Childcare jobs, such as babysitting or working in a daycare center, are both excellent ways to gain experience with small children. Many schools are also usually on the lookout for tutors and after school program helpers.
Keeping children safe is one of the most important requirements of a preschool teacher. Courses in first aid and CPR will often come in very handy when trying to become a preschool teacher. Some schools even consider this training to be mandatory preschool teacher qualifications.
Most reputable preschools are also usually very careful about who they hire. Preschool teachers typically have to be upstanding citizens. This typically means that they have no prior criminal convictions and they are able to successfully pass a background check. Reputable schools will also not usually hire anyone who has been suspected of any type of child abuse or child neglect.
Education is another one of the most important preschool teacher qualifications. After high school, those interested in becoming preschool teachers usually go on to a post-secondary school, such as a university. Focusing on early childhood development or education is usually advised.
Aside from education, teaching certificates are also usually necessary professional qualifications for preschool teachers. Before getting a teaching certificate, however, most aspiring teachers must first work as a student teacher for a short time. As a student teacher, an aspiring teacher will work under the supervision of a certified teacher, and they are also usually graded by that teacher. If they do well, they are then usually allowed to become certified teachers.
