Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Special Requirements

The training and qualifications required of preschool teachers vary widely. Each State has licensing requirements that regulate caregiver training, ranging from a high school diploma, to community college courses, to a college degree in child development or early childhood education. Some States require continuing education for workers in this field. For instance, Virginia requires that all workers in daycare centers receive 8 hours of courses related to child care each year. Formal education requirements in some private preschools and daycare centers are often lower than in public programs since they are not bound by State requirements. Often, child-care workers can obtain employment with a high school diploma and minimal experience.

Many States prefer preschool teachers and child-care workers to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is offered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The CDA credential is recognized as a qualification for teachers and directors in 46 States and the District of Columbia. There are two ways to become a CDA-through direct assessment or by completing the Council’s 1-year training program. Direct assessment is appropriate for people who already have some background and experience in early childhood education, while the training program is designed for people with little or no child development education or experience. To receive the credential, the applicant must demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired through formal training or experience, that meet certain nationally recognized standards for working with young children, to a team of child-care professionals from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.

State law requires people involved in the day-to-day operations of a child day center to be cleared of specific crimes by obtaining a criminal record report from the Department of State Police. The criminal record report must be obtained within the first 21 days of (or fewer than 91 days prior to) employment or volunteer service. Neither workers nor volunteers can be listed in the Child Protective Services Registry.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
   •   The education and experience requirements vary according to the specific preschool/day care facility.
   •   If the preschool is certified and/or requires a degree, then a bachelor’s degree must be obtained from a state approved program which usually includes student teaching, with specific courses and experience in the appropriate subject or grade level as required by the State Department of Education.

   •   Child Development Associate (CDA)

EXAM: 

   •   If a teaching license is required then one must obtain passing score on the Praxis I (beginning teacher assessment) and II (content knowledge test) For More Information, Contact:

Virginia Department Of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804.225.2022
Phone: 800.292.3820
http://www.pen.k12.va.us/index.shtml

Required Fees:

Praxis Fees

   •   In state: $50
   •   Out of state (based on the address written on the application form): $75
   •   License Renewal: $25

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)