Associates degrees require some general-education credits such as composition, math, social studies, arts, humanities and laboratory science. Many schools offer preschool teacher majors as Associate of Applied Science degrees, so courses do not have to be transfer-level classes. For example, students may take an introduction to math, consumer math or survey course instead of college algebra. General-education courses typically make up about half the required credits for an associate degree. Degrees take about two years to complete.
Classes that focus on the knowledge and skills for preschool teachers include topics like introduction to child development, curriculum and instruction in the preschool classroom, foundations of movement and motor activities, linguistically and culturally diverse learners, guiding child behavior, nutrition, health and safety, exploration activities and family and community relationships.
Programs often include a practicum or other clinical experience to give students the opportunity to apply classroom information in real-life situations while still under the guidance of an early childhood professional.
Requirements regarding licensing for preschool teachers vary state to state. Students interested in certification should check with their state's department of education to see what programs qualify. The associate degree may be enough to qualify for employment in some programs and in some states. For instance, Head Start teachers must hold an associate degree. In North Carolina, all preschool teachers must be certified, and the type of certification granted depends upon the amount of educational and work experience the applicant has.
Employers and colleges accept educational credentials that come from accredited institutions, and some institutions, especially online programs, may not qualify. Students should examine a school's website or catalog, call the school's admissions office, or check with a regional accrediting agency, such as North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, or the U.S. Department of Education (See Resource) to verify a school's accreditation status. A college may refuse to accept a student's associate degree credits for transfer if they weren't earned at an accredited institution.