How to Become a Childcare Teacher

Posted On February 21,2020

Child care providers, also known as childcare teachers, play a crucial role in the development and growth of young children. Childcare teachers combine caregiving with educational instruction for children ages 5 and younger.

What Does a Childcare Teacher Do?

Childcare teachers primarily care for and educate children in various types of childcare facilities. Teaching young children requires a combination of utilizing play and creativity to engage and motivate children to learn. Childcare teachers must also provide the basic elements of care, such as providing nutrition, performing cleaning duties, as well as dealing with behavioral issues. They must also frequently interact with parents and other caregivers to discuss a child’s development and progress.

While the level of training may vary from state to state, here are some steps you can take to help you become a successful childcare teacher:

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Get an Education and Training

Childcare teachers must meet specific educational requirements, depending on their state and employer. For the majority of childcare teaching jobs, one must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent, however many childcare positions now prefer applicants with some post-secondary education or training, such as a degree in early childhood education.

Research Head Start Requirements

For those wanting to work as a Head Start teacher, you must have an associate degree, preferably in early childhood education. The applicants who have taken classes in child behavior and development, learning environments, curriculum planning, communication skills, etc., are going to stand out as stronger candidates for the position. The government requires at least half of all of their teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a similar field. For those teachers with a degree in something other than early childhood education, they must have prior experience working with children under the age of 5.

Obtain the Proper Certifications

Depending on state laws, some childcare teachers require national certification. The National Child Care Association offers the Child Care Professional (CCP) certification. This certificate requires both classroom experience and continuing education classes and is available to those who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Meet any Special Requirements

Some states may require childcare teachers to meet additional requirements, such as a background check, first aid training and CPR training, obtaining a food handler’s permit, etc.

Enhance Your Personal Qualities

While this isn’t necessarily a requirement to getting hired, being a childcare teacher requires certain personal attributes in order to be successful. For example, childcare teachers should have patience and a calm demeanor. They also need to have excellent communication and social skills as they will need to interact with parents and other adults.

Good writing skills are also a plus as some positions may require daily written documentation. Organizational skills may also come in handy, as you may be expected to create lesson plans, or plan fun, creative, and educational activities for the children to participate in. Having physical stamina is also important, as young children are very active and can be difficult to keep up with.

While working as a childcare teacher can be a tiring and rigorous job, it can also be a very fulfilling and rewarding career too, as you are providing children with a safe and caring environment that promotes learning and fun.

To learn how you can get started in this exciting career field, contact Athena Career Academy today.

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