Preschool teacher requirements vary from place to place, but most preschools require a child development certificate. This certificate is available through many online schools after students satisfy credit requirements, typically around 24 credits or eight classes. Students learn about the stages of early childhood and how best to communicate with small children and resolve problems and conflicts, according to Vanguard University. Some states require a college degree in education or early child development.
Most online preschool education programs require a high school diploma. To qualify for a preschool teaching position, you also might have to log hours assistant teaching at a preschool. Working with children in person is an important part of the teacher education process, according to the PBS Teacherline program.
Basic course work typically includes classes in child psychology, physical fitness, nutrition, language arts, early math, child development, art, adult supervision and special needs. Many degree programs have four to six required courses and four to six electives, according to the Education Portal. All degree programs require that you receive CPR and first aid certification. Once you have earned a child development certificate, many schools offer to transfer course credits toward a bachelor's or master's degree in education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 457,200 preschool teaching jobs in the U.S. in 2008, 65 percent in day care and 15 percent in public and private education. Preschool teacher employment is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018. The median annual wage for preschool teachers in 2008 was $23,870.
Federal and private grants and loans are available to students of online preschool teaching programs. If you are employed by a child care/development program, you may qualify for federal assistance. In California, for example, the Child Development Training Consortium offers financial and technical assistance to child development students in that state. Some online schools also offer need-based financial aid.