Does a Preschool Have to Use Certified Teachers?

Preschool is the time when your child may experience his first school setting. Preschool teachers play a vital role in how well your child adjusts to his new surroundings, so you may be particularly interested in the training that these teachers undergo before reaching the classroom. Preschool teacher education varies greatly depending on the school, so it's best to become familiar with the school's hiring policies and procedures.

  1. Head Start

    • According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers for the Head Start program must have a minimum of an associate's degree. However, with more stringent regulations beginning in 2013, 50 percent of Head Start preschool teachers must have a bachelor's degree. With the new regulations in place, Head Start programs are leaning toward hiring teachers with bachelor's degrees to ensure that these percentage goals are met.

    Public Preschools

    • The BLS notes that most public school preschool classes require teachers with a minimum of a bachelor's degree. The degree must be in Early Childhood Development, and the teacher must have a teaching certificate or license valid in the state in which she is teaching. Teaching certificate programs for early childhood development vary from state to state, but many require a minimum number of supervised class hours, completion of certain coursework and continuing education throughout their career.

    Private Preschools

    • Private preschools are not mandated by government authorities to require any minimum teaching requirements. Private preschools may require a basic high school diploma and teaching certificate or a bachelor's degree; it depends on the requirements of each individual school. Private schools don't follow a core curriculum, so they may focus on academic programs or be more similar to a day care.

    Parental Choice

    • Fortunately for parents, you have a choice when it comes to sending your child to preschool. Decide whether you want to hold off on academics and would prefer to simply allow the child to experience socialization with other students or whether you want a structured academic program for your child. Thinking about this basic decision can help you determine the type of program that is best for your child. As you visit potential preschools, ask the director about teacher credentials and the curriculum used there. If the school has teachers with varying credentials, you could request the child be placed in a specific teacher's classroom who has the credentials you desire.

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