Individuals who are interested in teaching kindergarten should complete a four-year bachelor's degree program in elementary education. Programs in this field are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (see Resources). Although attending an accredited school is not required to become a teacher, it does make the mandatory process of becoming licensed easier. Programs that train aspiring kindergarten teachers teach them how to capitalize on kindergarten students' desire to play to help strengthen these children's math, language and social skills.
To get into a four-year degree program for kindergarten teachers, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and submit copies of their transcripts. Schools such as Ferris State University in Michigan want students who have at least a 2.0 grade point average. In addition, applicants might have to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or American College Test or take an entrance exam at colleges including Keiser University in Florida.
Courses in a degree program for aspiring kindergarten teachers cover topics such as literature, social science, art, physical science and music. Students also study math, the psychology of learning, the philosophy of education, the foundations of bilingual education, curriculum planning and teaching methods. In addition, teacher preparation degree programs offer courses in classroom technologies.
Bachelor's degree programs also require students to complete a supervised teaching internship, which gives them first-hand experience with teaching kindergarten students. The internship allows students to use assessment tools, select suitable learning materials for their class and incorporate technology into the classroom.
Education that prepares students to teach kindergarten first prepares students to be licensed, which is required in all states to teach in the public school setting. Aspiring kindergarten teachers can be licensed to teach the early childhood grades or even teach a special subject such as music or reading. Licensure is available through a licensure advisory committee or the student's state board of education.