Becoming a pre-school teacher?

Question

I'm currently a journalism major at a university, however, my mind is starting to change on the idea of being a journalist. I've always loved small children and have been babysitting/working with them since I was about 13.
I'm starting to think that becoming a pre-school teacher or working in a daycare would be great for me.
I've found the national site for pre-school, but I was interested in hearing more from an actual person who works in a pre-school and/or daycare.
What degree did you need/get (if any)?
What qualifications did you need?
What did you do to get to the job?
Any required license?
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I'm getting married within the next year, my fiance is military, so I'll probably be working on post or in the nearby neighborhoods. Which is another reason why pre-school/daycare are best for me.

Anything you know/experiences you can share will be great :)

Its not an issue of money that I'm going to earn between the two.
The job is more for me to have something to do and something I enjoy.
I enjoy writing and the more I think about it, being a journalist will ruin that enjoyment for me.
However, children are always entertaining for me and I can't see myself not enjoying teaching and caring for them for a portion of my day.
I won't be running my own daycare, just working at another as I'll be moving every 1-2years being a military wife, I cannot start up my own business.

Answer 1

I am a preschool teacher in California. I have my AA in Early Child Development, 33 units, and a bunch of Certificates. The pay scale out here is based pretty much on how many units you have and the Certs that you have. And you have to have at least an AA in ECD to be a lead teacher in the classroom.

On a personal note, this is my 2nd career. I went back to school when my son was diagnosed with a special need and I had to quit my full time job. I love it, and have never regretted it. The kids are so much fun, and I learn just as much from them as they do from me.

If you do choose this path, make sure you find a quality center. Tour it and make sure their philosophy matches your own. In my experience private centers tend to be better run, and pay better. I have worked in both private and for profit and private is just so much better!

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 2

Get an Associate's Degree, at least. Then go on for a four year degree. If you can document the hours of experience you have had in early childhood care, it's a good idea to have that documentation when you start applying for jobs. Here's my thoughts on the pros and cons:

I'd say that the children are definitely the most worthwhile aspect of teaching. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have made a positive difference in the life of a child. When a child asks you a question that tells you he is listening and wants to know more, or doesn't quite understand so please try again...when she gives you that smile that says I find something to love in you, even though most of my life is awful...when their faces light up with that Ah Ha! glow that tells you have turned on the light for them. There isn't any feeling that compares with those moments.

Challenging? It can be those same children, when they're not listening, when they don't like you (because even the ones that love you don't always like you!), when you see that blank look that says Are you speaking the same language as me? But of course, there's ALWAYS the challenge of money. There's never enough to give the kids the experiences you really want to give. But a creative teacher will find a way to do it anyway. And bureaucracy. Sometimes you KNOW what is best, but it just isn't politically correct, or it doesn't fit in with the administration's plan, or it isn't the most current educational trend. Oh well. A good teacher will struggle to find a way to use the current method, current trend, current politically correct philosophy, to benefit the children anyway.

I've worked in early childhood education for ten years, and I absolutely love it, but it's not for everybody. It can be very challenging, so if you're not sure you want to do this, volunteer some time in a Head Start classroom or preschool classroom to check it out. Hopefully, you'll just love it!

Answer 3

Now they offer an associates degree in early childhood education. When I started all I had to have was any childcare experince. When I first started with the preschool I was promoted into it. I started working as a caregiver at a local daycare. Then they expanded adding a preschool. I asked for the position and I got it. Mostly because I had more experience w/ children than the others.
The only reason I could think of that you would need a license would be if you were going to start up your own daycare.
Also I highly recommend you get certified through the Department of health and human services. You will be able to watch kids in your home and get paid through your state. Just a thought though.

Answer 4

Since you are unsure about becoming a pre-school teacher why don't you consider visiting a pre-school to see how you like it. Remember this you will be surrounded by a lot of small children some days they will behave other days they may not & on most occasions you will have half to listen & half that will not. But I do know that it is a job you can have until you retire just like any other teacher. But only you can choose if it is the right job for you or not.

Answer 5

I was a preschool teacher and may do it again someday i dont know what you need where you live to become a preschool teacher. i just have a few things for you to thnk about before you make your mind up. dont get me rong i love teaching but its not all about teaching anymore there is so much more invloved with the regs now and a lot of it takes the enjoment out of it. also you have to think about the stress of parents. you are not just dealing with kids all day you are deling with the childrens parents. the reason i stoped is i have 2 children of my own and my oldest is preschool age and after being at work all day ( basicley being a mom to 20 children ages 2&9 months to 5 years) i didnt have it in me to deal with my son when he was having a bad day. it can get mentley draning. i miss it all the time and know i will probley do it again when my children are not preschool age but if you plan to have kids of your own its something to think about because the same thing goese it can take the enjoyment out of being a mom or just playing with children when its your job and you do it every day

Answer 6

I can't answer your big ?s, but you do need a child care providers license if you have a daycare.
You need at least 12 Early Education Studies Units to be a teacher. It's LOTS of work. Our teacher told us you generally spend more than you make during your first year (supplies and stuff), and you don't get paid before and after hours for prep.
Here's the email for my old teacher. Tell her an old student referred you. She's been through it all, so she will know.
[e-mail]

Answer 7

i dont know much about requirements, but u would make A LOT more money being a journalist than a preschool teacher.