In a position statement on "Standards for Programs to Prepare Early Childhood Professionals," the NAEYC says scientific research demonstrates that students benefit from a teacher's educational background. While there is no uniform educational requirement for preschool teachers, all employers typically look for an employee with a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, most also look for at least some post-secondary schooling. This includes a technical degree/diploma from a trade school, an associate's degree from a community college, or a bachelor's (or higher) from a university. Specific majors or concentrations of study include child development, early childhood education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or similar areas. Class topics include child development birth through age 8, human learning, education and culture, professionalism in the workplace, ethics and a supervised internship/field practicum.
According to the NAEYC, preschool teachers should have a specific set of knowledge and skills. This knowledge is typically learned during a postsecondary educational program but can also be obtained through professional development training and workshops. Required areas include child development/learning theory, family and community systems (as related to the young child), observing and assessing the young student, the documentation process, developmentally appropriate and effective approaches to learning, curriculum design and professionalism. Additional knowledge necessary to teach at the preschool level includes behavior management, special education, communication and training in the arts.
Preschool teachers come from diverse backgrounds, with a varying degree of experience. Many private and public preschools have policies dictating the number of years of education-related experience required to teach. These are different for different job descriptions. An assistant or associate teacher needs less experience than a teacher. Many early childhood professionals gain experience as a teacher's aide or volunteer. Some teacher preparation programs also require a set amount of experience. Associate's and bachelor's programs often require at least one semester of internship or supervised teaching.
Preschool teachers who work for a public school district are often required to earn a state-issued license. Each state differs in the credentialing requirements, but all necessitate a minimum of a bachelor's degree and passing an exam. For example, New York licenses teachers in early childhood education, birth through grade 2. Requirements include completion of an approved program in education/early childhood education, passing the New York State Teacher Certification Exam and passing a Content Specialty Test.