How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher

Each state requires early childhood educators to have a bachelor’s degree and certification from a traditional or alternative teacher preparation program, and certification requirements vary from state to state. Some new teachers receive support from a mentoring program during their first year on the job.

Teacher Quote: “You should only choose education as your career if you are willing to put your whole self into it; don’t do it if you are just halfway in. You will have a classroom full of children depending on you to teach and care for them. For some, you will be all they have. You must be willing to go the extra mile for them and you must love what you do in order to make that happen.” -April Larremore, Texas Kindergarten Teacher

Early Childhood Education Degree Requirements and Coursework

Coursework for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education may include classes in language and literacy, child growth and development, equity and cultural diversity, curriculum design and theories in instruction. Most early childhood education programs will also require some student teaching.
Early childhood education degree programs are typically formatted to give pre-service teachers a specialist education in working with Pre-K to Grade 6. This degree is a good fit for students who wish to teach at these grade levels and achieve state-level certification. Many programs offer coursework leading to specialist endorsements in such areas as reading, English as a second language, and special education.
Typical classes in a early education degree program may include:

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Beginning Literacy
• Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Education
• Language Arts and Reading for Early Childhood
• Science for Young Children
• Child Health and Safety
• Student Teaching and Professional Practicum