Qualifications to work at head start?

Question

I am currently in school for Early Childhood Professions and I was wondering...I just found out that none of my classes offer CDA and I've heard that a childcare provider and a head start teacher need this. O.k my question is what all exactly do I need to qualify to work at head start. I live in TX if that matters.

Thanx in advance!

Answer 1

You can be an assistant teacher with an associates degree in Early Childhood Education Technology.  To be a lead teacher, you will need to have an associates degree but you will have to take continuing education towards your bachelors degree. The lead teacher jobs are very difficult to obtain unless you have a Batchelors in Eary Childhoold Education, Marriage and Family Studies, or a teaching certificate for Elementary Education.  The lead teacher jobs pay alot more than private preschools so they can afford to look for the highly skilled professionals to fill the available positions.  By the way, the CDA diploma isn't worth very much these days since there are so many "diploma mills" out there practically selling these degrees to anyone who can afford them.  While you are in school, make sure you have terrific grades in English, Psychology, and Oral Communications (Speech) and any other academics.  The center directors at the quality programs are definately going to look at those grades on your transcripts.