How Can I become a Daycare Teacher?

Being a daycare teacher requires lots of patience

The job of a daycare teacher involves more than watching children every day. Part of their duties includes making sure children are safe. They also play a significant role in a child’s education. This includes their health, growth and overall development. These are the things that make being a daycare teacher a challenging yet rewarding job. If this is a career you want pursue, you need to have certain positive qualities to be successful at this job. Remember that you will have to deal with the ever-changing personalities of toddlers and young kids. Read on to learn all the things you need to know to become a daycare teacher.

Education and training

Daycare teachers have to meet the educational and training requirements of their employer and the state. They need to take the necessary courses in child development to be able to understand the skills that children need to learn at each stage. This training equips daycare teachers to help kids achieve these milestones. Most employers accept daycare teachers with a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent. Certain preschools prefer to hire those who have a certification or completed post secondary classes in early childhood education. Preschools in some states even require daycare teachers to have previous experience.

If you are looking for advancement in early childcare, an associate or bachelor’s degree would help. Associate degree programs usually include: classes focusing on child behavior and development, parent-teacher relationships, programs and curriculum, and the learning environments. For Head Start programs, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is required. But if you have a degree in a different field and you want to pursue a career in early childcare, you must have an experience working with children under five.

Professional certifications

Employers and states have varying requirements. Certain preschools and daycare centers require a national certification. The National Childcare Association offers the CCP or the Child Care Professional Certification. This requires classroom experience as well as continuing education courses. Those who hold a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible for the certification. The Council for Professional Regulation also awards the CDA credential. It is also part of the licensing regulations for the 50 states in the US.

Appearance

A pleasing appearance is also an important factor for being a daycare teacher. This is because children usually mimic the adults around them. Make sure that you serve as a good example to the kids under your care. Your clothes should look clean and decent. Dress comfortably so that it’s easier for you to interact and play games with children. Do not use foul language and be sure to avoid inappropriate behavior.

Discipline

A good daycare teacher is someone who knows how to impose discipline in the classroom using an appropriate set of strategies. This is important to avoid chaos in the daycare setting. Maintaining discipline doesn’t require complicated rules. You need to know how to use simple rules that little children can follow.

Passion

To be a successful daycare teacher, you must have that passion in your heart. You have to want to work with children and be part of their development. This means that despite the challenges, you know you can enjoy working with kids. It’s also important that you are kind to every child under your care despite their race or background. Your focus should be on the best interest of the children above everything else.

Being a daycare teacher may be challenging but it is a rewarding job. If you wish to pursue a career in early childcare as a daycare teacher, these are the requirements you must meet. If you are looking toward future advancement within a daycare facility, you may consider obtaining a CDA credential. For more information about earning a Child Development Associate credential, please visit National CDA Training.

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