How to Become a Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers set the foundation for children before they enter Kindergarten. Depending on which state you are in, the credentials to become a preschool teacher may vary. In most cases, you will be required to have at least 20 classroom hours in early childhood education; however, many states require additional schooling.

1. Speak with a counselor at a junior college or university to verify what the requirements are in your state.

2. Enroll in the required courses. The courses that the school may require include child development, classroom management, instructional design and classroom methods. All of these courses will prepare you for what to expect in a classroom situation.

3. Volunteer at local child care centers to get experience with students. Many states require a certain amount of fieldwork hours, such as observing students and completing work as a student teacher. Teachers are responsible for classroom management and lesson plans during fieldwork.

4. Make a journal. While participating in the role of the student teacher, make a journal. Log your daily observations. Reflect on how your students were engaged during your lessons and note how you think that you managed the classroom.

5. Ask the acting classroom teacher to critique your work. Constructive criticism helps teachers reflect and make adjustments and improvements to their lessons and classroom management skills.

6. Prepare your resume. Begin by listing the classrooms that you student taught in. Highlight your responsibilities that you had in the classroom and describe your results from your lesson plans.

7. Begin your job search. Once you have completed all of the requirements for your state, you now can begin your job search. Many preschool teachers have a year round teaching job, whereas some preschool teachers teach in elementary schools where you have summers off.